A balloon catheter includes a long-sized body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the body internally having at least one lumen, and a balloon made from a composite material composed of short-fibers for reienforcement and a matrix resin, the balloon being disposed on the distal side of the long-sized body. The short-fibers are oriented in the balloon in such a manner that in a longitudinal cross-section of the balloon, 25% or more of the short-fibers are oriented in the major-axis direction of the balloon, 25% or more of the short-fibers are oriented in the direction oblique to the major-axis direction, and the remaining short-fibers are oriented in the direction nearly perpendicular to the major-axis direction; and in a diametrical cross-section of the balloon, 8% or more of the short-fibers are oriented in the circumferential direction of the balloon, 25% or more of the short-fibers are oriented in the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, that is, in the major-axis direction, and the remaining short-fibers are oriented in the direction oblique to the circumferential direction. The balloon catheter exhibits a high strength to withstand pressure and a good trackability.

 
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> Method of screening therapeutic agents for nerve degeneration associated diseases

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