Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure pertains to hydrogel-securing structures that comprise anchoring element that is configured to anchor the structure to bodily tissue and a hydrogel-retaining element that is configured to retain a hydrogel mass. Other aspects of the present disclosure include kits that contain such hydrogel-securing structures. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain to methods that comprise (a) delivering a structure that comprises a hydrogel-retaining element in a body of a subject comprising first and second tissues, such that the hydrogel-retaining element may be disposed between the first tissue of tissue and the second tissue and (b) delivering a hydrogel to the structure, such that the hydrogel is loaded onto and/or into the hydrogel-retaining element and retained in place by the hydrogel-retaining element, and such that the hydrogel is disposed between the first and second tissues thereby separating the first tissue from the second tissue.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a flow through a vessel may comprise a body member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate rod portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion and a mesh having base layer and a plurality of micro-pillars extending from a first surface of the base layer. The mesh may be disposed about at least a portion of the body such that the micro-pillars extending generally radially outward from the body member. The plurality of micro-pillars may be configured to extend into an adjacent tissue.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a flow through a vessel may comprise a body member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate rod portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion and a mesh having base layer and a plurality of micro-pillars extending from a first surface of the base layer. The mesh may be disposed about at least a portion of the body such that the micro-pillars extending generally radially outward from the body member. The plurality of micro-pillars may be configured to extend into an adjacent tissue.