A device 110 for deploying a tissue fixation apparatus 115 of the type including first and second tissue anchors 267,268 coupled together by an adjustable suture assembly 130. The device comprises a handle mechanism 120 and a needle cartridge assembly 125 releasably coupled to the handle mechanism. The needle cartridge assembly includes a needle cannula 270 with a side opening 310 through which a tissue anchor can be loaded into an internal chamber of the needle cannula. A push rod 280 is disposed in the needle cannula and is operable between an extended position in which the push rod prevents the tissue anchor from entering the chamber through the side opening, and a retracted configuration in which the tissue anchor can be pushed into the chamber under the action of a resilient band 285 positioned over the side opening.
