Abstract: Described, in certain respects, are unique methods and systems for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In some embodiments, treatment will be performed on fistulae that include a passage extending through a subcutaneous wall or wall-like structure. Illustratively, such a passage can extend through a subcutaneous tissue wall that includes, at a minimum, portions of an intestinal wall, and in this regard, such a wall can have a first side that is provided by the luminal side of the intestines and a second subcutaneous side that is provided, for example, by the abluminal side of the intestines and/or by other subcutaneous tissues adhered to this abluminal side. Some inventive products and methods involve sealing off the passage from both sides of the wall, for example, where a sealing element is placed on each side of the wall over an opening to the passage.

Abstract: Polymeric materials and processes for making the same are provided herein wherein said polymeric materials have nano-sized topological features or textures. These features have dimensions in various ranges including, but not limited to, dimensions less than about 100 nanometers. In addition, polymeric materials are described herein that have a surface roughness of about 50 nm or greater. These polymeric materials are useful for making implants for soft tissues, such as bladder tissue replacement implants. Methods of treatment using such implants are also described. In such methods, polymers that are biocompatible, and biodegradable are also described.