Apparatus and method for delivering a self-expanding stent

The invention relates generally to a system and method for delivering a stent. More particularly, the invention relates to a stent delivery system (SDS) and method for delivering a self-expanding stent into a body lumen. An assembly for delivering a self-expanding stent to an intraluminal location comprising a sheath having a generally non-compliant first portion and a compliant second portion, with the stent positioned within the generally non-compliant first portion for stent delivery. Upon stent deployment, the stent passes from the generally non-compliant first portion into the compliant second portion, and then out of the sheath. The compliant second portion permits the stent to at least partially expand before it passes out of the sheath, so that the force with which the stent expands once outside the sheath is tempered.