Provided are a simple, quick, and low-processing cost method capable of reliably separating part of an accommodated substance accommodated in a vessel only by simple mechanical operation while maintaining a hermetically-sealed state without any contact with an outside atmosphere, as well as a vessel with which the method may be used. A separable vessel comprises a first vessel portion, a second vessel portion which is contiguous with the first vessel portion, a fracture-inducing portion formed between the first vessel portion and the second vessel portion, and a self-fusing material provided on an outer surface so as to cover the fracture-inducing portion; and may contain an accommodated substance therein.

A method of manufacturing an optical probe for use in ophthalmic procedures can comprise: positioning a ferrule within a proximal portion of a cannula, wherein an optical fiber extends at least partially through the ferrule towards an optical element disposed within a distal portion of the cannula; and coupling the cannula to the ferrule by applying laser energy to the cannula. An optical probe can be provided that includes a cannula including a proximal portion and a distal portion; a ferrule disposed within the proximal portion of the cannula, the cannula and the ferrule coupled together by engaged deformations in the cannula and the ferrule; and an optical fiber positioned at least partially within the optical probe, the optical fiber configured to receive a light from a light source and guide the light to an optical element positioned within the distal portion of the cannula.

An apparatus includes an implant and a sleeve. The implant has a support portion and a strap extending from the support portion. The support portion is configured to support a portion of a body of a patient. The strap is configured to be inserted into a tissue of the patient. The sleeve has a distal end portion, a proximal end portion and a tapered portion. The tapered portion of the sleeve is configured to dilate the tissue of the patient when the implant is inserted into the body of the patient. The proximal end portion of the sleeve is releasably coupled to the strap.

A balloon catheter having a soft distal tip member having a non-tacky inner (liner) layer material and a soft flexible outer layer material, with both materials being readily thermally bondable to the catheter balloon.

Provided are a simple, quick, and low-processing cost method capable of reliably separating part of an accommodated substance accommodated in a vessel only by simple mechanical operation while maintaining a hermetically-sealed state without any contact with an outside atmosphere, as well as a vessel with which the method may be used. A separable vessel comprises a first vessel portion, a second vessel portion which is contiguous with the first vessel portion, a fracture-inducing portion formed between the first vessel portion and the second vessel portion, and a self-fusing material provided on an outer surface so as to cover the fracture-inducing portion; and may contain an accommodated substance therein.

A medical balloon for deployment of stents is disclosed. The medical balloon includes a central section; a proximal and a distal cone section; a proximal and a distal shaft section; a proximal sleeve which is arranged coaxial to and radially inside the proximal shaft section. The proximal end of the proximal shaft section is permanently connected and/or unitarily formed with the proximal end of the proximal sleeve, and distal thereto, at least part of the proximal cone section is connected with the proximal sleeve by an adhesive bond, and a distal sleeve which is arranged coaxial to and radially inside the distal shaft section. Methods of manufacturing a medical balloon are disclosed.

A medical device-includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen.