Systems, apparatus and methods to repair operation of a heart valve

An implant comprising:

• a first implant member that includes:
• an adjustable length tether that includes a plurality of fixed, spaced-apart, elastically deformable locking elements disposed along a first portion of the adjustable length tether;
• a mechanical tissue fastener that includes a first fastener body having a through-hole formed therethrough, the through-hole to permit the passage of the first portion of the adjustable length tether such that each of the plurality of locking elements deform to pass through the through-hole in the first fastener body;
• wherein the first fastener body comprises a conical body which narrows in diameter from a tissue retention end to a tissue penetrating end;
• and
• a magnetic implant member connector affixed to an end of the adjustable length tether opposite the first portion of the adjustable length tether.

An implant comprising:

• a first implant member that includes:
• an adjustable length tether that includes:
• a first plurality of fixed, spaced-apart, elastically deformable locking elements disposed along a first portion of the adjustable length tether;
• and
• a second plurality of fixed, spaced-apart, elastically deformable locking elements disposed along a second portion of the adjustable length tether;
• a first mechanical tissue fastener that includes a first fastener body having a through-hole formed therethrough, the through-hole to permit the passage of the first portion of the adjustable length tether such that each of the first plurality of locking elements deform to pass through the through-hole in the first fastener body;
• wherein the first fastener body comprises a conical body which narrows in diameter from a tissue retention end to a tissue penetrating end;
• a second mechanical tissue fastener that includes a second fastener body having a through-hole formed therethrough, the through-hole to permit the passage of the second portion of the adjustable length tether such that each of the second plurality of locking elements deform to pass through the through-hole in the first fastener body;
• wherein the second fastener body comprises a conical body which narrows in diameter from a tissue retention end to a tissue penetrating end;
• and
• a magnetic implant member connector having a through-hole formed therethrough to permit passage of the adjustable length tether therethrough, the magnetic implant member connector slideably disposed on the adjustable length tether between the first mechanical tissue fastener and the second mechanical tissue fastener.