Soft anchors for anatomical fixation, and related systems and methods

An assembly for anatomical approximation, wherein the assembly is configured to transition from an insertion configuration to an anchored configuration, the assembly comprising:

• an anchor body constructed of suture and defining an anchor loop, the anchor body defining a length along a first direction and a width along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the anchor body is configured so that the length decreases and the width increases as the assembly transitions from the insertion configuration to the anchored configuration;
• an actuation member that is constructed of suture and defines a first actuation portion and a second actuation portion, wherein the first actuation portion defines a locking mechanism within an interior passage defined by a distal portion of the anchor body, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of knot loops;
• and
• a snake member having a first snake portion and first and second snake tails,
• wherein, when the assembly is in the insertion configuration:
• the first snake portion extends along the interior passage of the anchor body and through the plurality of knot loops,
• the second actuation portion and the first and second snake tails are exterior of the anchor body, and
• at least one of the second actuation portion and the first and second snake tails is configured to receive a tensile force for transitioning the assembly from the insertion configuration to the anchored configuration, and
• wherein a free end region of the second snake tail is configured to couple with a free end region of the second actuation portion, such that a free end region of the first snake tail is configured to be pulled to draw the free end region of the second actuation portion into and through the interior passage of the anchor body, so that:
• when the assembly is in a third configuration, the second actuation portion:
• 1) is gripped by and slidable relative to the plurality of knot loops within the interior passage, and
• 2) defines an approximation loop located exterior of the anchor body for approximating tissue.