Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes first and second tissue-engaging elements, and first and second flexible longitudinal members, coupled at respective first end portions thereof to the first and the second tissue-engaging elements, respectively. The apparatus further includes a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the first flexible longitudinal member, a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the second flexible longitudinal member, and a flexible longitudinal guide member reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element. The first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are configured to be couplable together to couple together the first and the second flexible longitudinal elements. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A torque-delivery tool includes a cable and a distal coupling element. A tissue anchor includes an anchor head, which includes a shaft having a proximal coupling element. The distal and proximal coupling elements are shaped so as to define corresponding interlocking surfaces. An outer tether-securing element of the anchor is shaped so as to define a lateral opening through which a tether is disposed, and at least partially radially surrounds the shaft and a spring. In an unlocked state, a distal spring depressor restrains the spring in an axially-compressed state. In a locked state, the distal and proximal coupling elements are not coupled with one another, the distal spring depressor does not restrain the spring in the axially-compressed state, and the spring is in an axially-expanded state, in which the spring inhibits the sliding of the tether through the lateral opening by pressing the tether against the outer tether-securing element.

Abstract: A torque-delivery tool includes a cable and a distal coupling element. A tissue anchor includes an anchor head, which includes a shaft having a proximal coupling element. The distal and proximal coupling elements are shaped so as to define corresponding interlocking surfaces. An outer tether-securing element of the anchor is shaped so as to define a lateral opening through which a tether is disposed, and at least partially radially surrounds the shaft and a spring. In an unlocked state, a distal spring depressor restrains the spring in an axially-compressed state. In a locked state, the distal and proximal coupling elements are not coupled with one another, the distal spring depressor does not restrain the spring in the axially-compressed state, and the spring is in an axially-expanded state, in which the spring inhibits the sliding of the tether through the lateral opening by pressing the tether against the outer tether-securing element.

Abstract: A method is provided including making an opening (300) through an atrial septum (302) at a septal site (304) at least 5 mm from a fossa ovalis (330). A first tissue anchor (204) is endovascularly advanced to a left-atrial site (306) on an annulus of a mitral valve (310) or a wall of a left atrium (308) above the annulus. The first tissue anchor (204) is implanted at the left-atrial site (306). A second tissue anchor (24) is endovascularly advanced to a right-atrial site (320) on an annulus of a tricuspid valve (207) or a wall of a right atrium (200) above the annulus. The second tissue (24) anchor is implanted at the right-atrial site (320). The left-atrial site (306) and the right-atrial site (320) are approximated by tensioning a tether (22) that passes through the opening (300) of the atrial septum (302) and connects the first and the second tissue anchors (204, 24). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided including making an opening (300) through an atrial septum (302) at a septal site (304) at least 5 mm from a fossa ovalis (330). A first tissue anchor (204) is endovascularly advanced to a left-atrial site (306) on an annulus of a mitral valve (310) or a wall of a left atrium (308) above the annulus. The first tissue anchor (204) is implanted at the left-atrial site (306). A second tissue anchor (24) is endovascularly advanced to a right-atrial site (320) on an annulus of a tricuspid valve (207) or a wall of a right atrium (200) above the annulus. The second tissue (24) anchor is implanted at the right-atrial site (320). The left-atrial site (306) and the right-atrial site (320) are approximated by tensioning a tether (22) that passes through the opening (300) of the atrial septum (302) and connects the first and the second tissue anchors (204, 24). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes first and second tissue-engaging elements, and first and second flexible longitudinal members, coupled at respective first end portions thereof to the first and the second tissue-engaging elements, respectively. The apparatus further includes a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the first flexible longitudinal member, a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the second flexible longitudinal member, and a flexible longitudinal guide member reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element. The first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are configured to be couplable together to couple together the first and the second flexible longitudinal elements. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that includes first and second tissue-engaging elements, and first and second flexible longitudinal members, coupled at respective first end portions thereof to the first and the second tissue-engaging elements, respectively. The apparatus further includes a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the first flexible longitudinal member, a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to a second end portion of the second flexible longitudinal member, and a flexible longitudinal guide member reversibly coupled to the first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element. The first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements are configured to be couplable together to couple together the first and the second flexible longitudinal elements. Other applications are also described.