Abstract: A tissue anchor includes a tissue-engaging element, a head, and a protrusion. The tissue-engaging element has a sharpened distal tip, and is configured to be driven into tissue of a subject. The head is coupled to a proximal end of the tissue-engaging element, and includes a driver interface that is configured to be reversibly engaged by an anchor driver. The protrusion protrudes away from the head such that driving the tissue-engaging element into the tissue presses the protrusion against the tissue, and is configured to move with respect to the head automatically in response to being pressed against the tissue. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A catheter device includes a tube that has a distal opening that is configured to be transluminally advanced into the subject; and an extracorporeal unit that is coupled to a proximal end of the tube. A series of cartridges is arranged along the extracorporeal unit, each of the cartridges having an initial position in which the cartridge holds a respective anchor. Each of the cartridges is, moveable from the initial position to a deployment position while remaining coupled to the extracorporeal unit. A driver is configured to, for each of the anchors, sequentially, while the respective cartridge is in the deployment position, move the anchor out of the respective cartridge and through the tube toward the distal opening. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a tissue anchor for use with an anchor driver. The anchor comprises a head, and a tissue-engaging element coupled to a proximal end of the head. The tissue-engaging element defines a central longitudinal axis of the anchor, and has a sharpened distal tip, configured to be driven into tissue of a subject. The head comprises a driver interface, configured to be reversibly engaged by the anchor driver, and an eyelet, disposed laterally from the central longitudinal axis, defining an aperture on an aperture plane, the aperture having a length along a long axis of the aperture and a width along a short axis of the aperture, the long axis and the short axis disposed on the aperture plane. The eyelet is mounted such that the aperture plane is slanted at a fixed angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A catheter device includes a tube, and an extracorporeal unit coupled to a proximal end of the tube. An implant includes a series of anchors and a tether. The series of anchors includes a first anchor and other anchors, arranged along the extracorporeal unit. Each of the anchors includes a tissue-engaging element, and a head that defines an eyelet. The tether extends, along the extracorporeal unit, through the eyelet of each of the other anchors to the first anchor such that (i) the first anchor is advanceable, with a distal end of the tether, distally into and through the tube toward the tissue, and (ii) subsequently, the other anchors are slidable, sequentially, over and along the tether, distally into and through the tube toward the first anchor. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A tissue anchor comprises an anchoring portion, and a crown coupled thereto. The crown includes an anchor head fixedly coupled to the anchoring portion, a driver interface, and a socket. The socket may be fixedly coupled to the driver interface and shaped to receive the anchor head. In a first state the anchor head is seated snugly within the socket, such that torque applied to the driver interface is transferred to the anchoring portion, thereby facilitating screwing of the anchoring portion into the tissue. Screwing of the anchoring portion into the tissue can pull the anchor head distally out of the socket, thereby transitioning the anchor into a second state in which torque applied to the driver interface rotates the socket relative to the anchor head and the anchoring portion. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A radiopaque frame is transluminally advanced to an atrium of a heart of a subject. The frame is expanded within a valve adjacent the atrium such that part of the frame remains disposed in the atrium. While the frame remains expanded within the valve, progressive portions of an annuloplasty structure are progressively positioned and anchored around the annulus using multiple anchors by, for each of the anchors sequentially (i) while fluoroscopically imaging the frame and a distal end of a delivery tool, and facilitated by mechanical guidance from the frame, positioning the distal end of the delivery tool between the frame and a wall of the atrium; and (ii) driving the anchor into the annulus laterally from the frame. Subsequently, the frame is contracted and withdrawn from the subject while leaving the annuloplasty structure anchored around the annulus. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a tissue anchor for use with an anchor driver. The anchor comprises a head, and a tissue-engaging element coupled to a proximal end of the head. The tissue-engaging element defines a central longitudinal axis of the anchor, and has a sharpened distal tip, configured to be driven into tissue of a subject. The head comprises a driver interface, configured to be reversibly engaged by the anchor driver, and an eyelet, disposed laterally from the central longitudinal axis, defining an aperture on an aperture plane, the aperture having a length along a long axis of the aperture and a width along a short axis of the aperture, the long axis and the short axis disposed on the aperture plane. The eyelet is mounted such that the aperture plane is slanted at a fixed angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis. Other applications are also described.