Stent retention

A system for retaining a stent, comprising:

• a stent delivery system comprising a first elongate shaft and a first radially expandable member disposed on a distal portion of the first elongate shaft, the first elongate shaft further comprising a distal radiopaque marker on a distal portion of the first elongate shaft and a proximal radiopaque marker disposed on the distal portion of the first elongate shaft, the proximal marker proximal of the distal marker;
• a mold comprising a cavity,
• wherein the first radially expandable member is disposed in the cavity and a stent having a diameter is disposed onto the first radially expandable member such that the stent is disposed between the distal radiopaque marker and the proximal radiopaque marker,
• wherein the stent comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion, and wherein the distal portion of the stent is fully crimped to the first radially expandable member and the proximal portion is uncrimped to the first radially expandable member, such that the full crimp prevents axial movement of the stent along the first elongate shaft during delivery;
• and
• a region of the first radially expandable member comprising a shape memory portion comprising a first bulbous region abutting an edge of the stent to provide a protective cover to the edge of the stent,
• wherein the first bulbous region has a diameter larger than the diameter of the stent, and wherein the bulbous region is configured to fold over itself and cover the edge of the stent during delivery.