Abstract: A stent delivery system comprising a catheter, an inflatable portion, a stent, and a pair of stent retaining sleeves. The inflatable portion having ends which are rounded in shape providing a hemispherical contour. The inflatable portion further being characterized as having a non-inflated state and an inflated state. The pair of stent retaining sleeves having first portions which overlie the ends of the inflatable portion and are shaped to correspond to the contour of the ends of the inflatable portion. The pair of stent retaining sleeves having second portions which are attached to the catheter. The stent disposed about the inflatable portion, and having margins. The first portions of the sleeves at least partially overlying the margins of the stent when the inflatable portion is in the non-inflated state. The stent being released from the sleeves when the inflatable portion is inflated to the inflated state.