Abstract: A method of connecting a fiber-protective sheath to a fiber assembly having a fiber covered by a protective multi-layer skin, and the combination of the sheath and the fiber assembly. The skin has an inner cladding and an outer jacketing. The fiber-protective sheath extends externally around the fiber assembly and has at least one end externally swaged to a corresponding portion of the fiber assembly so that the inner cladding of the fiber assembly is not plastically deformed. The method comprises externally swaging at least one end of the sheath to a corresponding portion of the fiber assembly so that the innermost cladding of the fiber assembly is not plastically deformed.

Abstract: A bioresorbable and hemostatic plug for embolization made from a collagen piece is compressed so as to be longitudinally insertable into a tubular biological vessel such as a blood vessel to be occluded. The collagen piece is capable of expanding radially inside the vessel by absorbing fluid such as the blood and thereby providing mechanical fixation in and occlusion of the vessel. Two such collagen pieces may be used with a spacer of a different material in between. Different kinds of therapeutic agents can be bonded to or physically absorbed by the collagen pieces so as to be delivered to the site of occlusion.