A stent introducer apparatus comprises a sheath for surrounding a stent member, with the sheath having a longitudinal slit extending from one end along at least a substantial part of the length thereof, and a sheath withdrawal device comprising a reel for winding up the sheath. A second sheath may surround the slit portion of the sheath. An intermediate guide member can smooth the withdrawal procedure and flatten the sheath before it is wound on the reel. The intermediate guide member may include at least one of a second reel or a slot-defining member. The reel may be operated by means of a gear system. A method of deploying a stent member is also provided.