Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using
and making the same, are provided. A medical device can include a frame
with one or more projections each having at least one edge extending from
the surface of the frame, and a biocompatible, water-soluble removable
material coated over at least a portion of the at least one edge. The
projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body
vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the
frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon
implantation, thereby exposing the at least one edge. Methods of making
an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also
disclosed.