Removable Covering for Implantable Frame Projections

A medical device for implantation in a body vessel, comprising:

• an implantable frame comprising a surface having at least a first portion and a second portion;
• the first portion comprising at least a first projection having a beveled edge;
• the second portion having no projections;
• and
• a biocompatible removable material enclosing at least the beveled edge of the first projection.

A medical device for implantation in a body vessel, comprising:

• an implantable frame comprising a plurality of struts and bends defining a substantially cylindrical lumen and a surface having a first portion and a second portion
• the first portion comprising a plurality of barbs extending from the surface and the second portion having no barbs;
• the plurality of barbs having a cross-sectional area at the intersection of the barb and the implantable frame surface that is less than about 10 mm2;
• a water-soluble biocompatible removable material enclosing at least one of the plurality of barbs and having a thickness between about 10 μm and about 1 mm;
• and
• the second portion having no removable material.