A system for removing an implanted stent or other object from a passageway in a patient includes a housing, an expansion element that operates between an enlarged mode in which the expansion element may radially expand to a diameter larger than the object diameter and a collapsed mode in which the expansion element radially contracts, and a plurality of radially contractible members configured to circumferentially engage the implanted object. A method for moving an implanted stent or other object from an initial location in a passageway includes positioning an expansion element proximate to the stent, expanding the expansion element thereby creating a tapered annular space between the stent and the passageway, advancing a plurality of members towards the tapered annular space, engaging the stent with the members, radially contracting the members to radially compress the stent, and moving the compressed stent from the initial location.