Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues or anatomical structures

A method for causing a desired alteration of volitional or non-volitional flow of a body fluid through a urethra of the body of a human or animal subject whose prostate is enlarged such that it has caused a constriction of the urethra thereby interfering with normal micturition, said method comprising the steps of:

• A) positioning a first anchor having a tensioning element attached thereto to engage an exterior portion of the prostate;
• B) selecting a location on a tensioning member from a plurality of locations each of which will result in a different amount of tension on the tensioning member;
• and
• C) attaching a second anchor to said tensioning member at a selected location on said tensioning member whereby the second anchor engages an interior portion of the prostate, said selected location resulting in an amount of tension that causes the desired alteration of volitional or non-volitional flow of a body fluid through the lumen.