Anchor or staple with barbs

A tissue anchor comprising:

• an elongated body having a proximal end defining a tip, and a distal end;
• a barb having a pivot end, the barb being mounted to the elongated body adjacent the proximal end for movement between a retracted position and an extended position in which the barb projects outwardly from the elongated body;
• and
• a first resilient element disposed between the tip of the elongated body and the pivot end of the barb, the first resilient element including a compressed state when the barb is in the retracted position, the compressed state including the first resilient element being compressed toward the proximal end of the body from a first diameter to a second diameter smaller than the first diameter
• wherein the barb is movable into the retracted position through the application of a force to the pivot end, thereby compressing the first resilient element, and
• wherein the elongated body has a bore extending from the pivot end to an opening in the distal end, the bore being sized to receive a tool adapted to apply the force to the pivot end through the bore.