Apparatus (200) for applying a surgical anchoring device (10) to body tissue, said anchoring device including an elongated suture (12) having an anchor member (14, 16) positioned at each end thereof, said apparatus comprising a handle portion (202) defining a longitudinal axis an elongated needle body (204) extending from said handle portion and defining an axial bore (214) configured to consecutively retain the anchor members an elongated housing (206) mounted adjacent said needle body, said needle body and said elongated housing being relatively movable between a plurality of longitudinal positions to selectively extend and retract a distal end portion of said needle body and a ratchet assembly operatively associated with said handle portion for individually axially advancing the anchor members from said distal end portion of said needle body, said ratchet assembly including an axially advanceable rack (228), a push rod (244) extending from the rack and configured to incrementally advance through the needle body to urge the anchor member therefrom, and an axially advanceable drive arm (232) for selectively engaging the rack.
