A stent delivery device includes a first retaining polymer disposed about and retaining a self-expanding stent at a proximal end portion, a second retaining polymer disposed about and retaining the self-expanding stent at a distal end portion, a first resistance member in thermal communication with the first retaining polymer, and a second resistance member in thermal communication with the second retaining polymer. The second retaining polymer and second resistance member are configured to allow release and expansion of the distal end portion of the self-expanding stent without expansion of the proximal end portion of the self-expanding stent.