One or more tissue bulking devices are implanted to bulk a structure within a patient. The tissue bulking devices may be implanted between the structure and an adventitial layer that at least partially covers the structure, or within the adventitial layer. In some embodiments, the structure is a luminal wall that defines an inner lumen, and the bulking devices are implanted endoscopically via the lumen. In such embodiments, the tissue bulking devices may be implanted between a muscular layer of the luminal wall and an adventitial layer that at least partially covers the luminal wall, or within the adventitial layer. In exemplary embodiments, the luminal wall is the wall of the esophagus of the patient, and the tissue bulking devices are implanted proximate to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of the patient to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

 
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> Stimuli-degradable gels

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