In one embodiment, an introducer includes a handle, a needle extending from thehandle, the needle having a distal end and defining an inner lumen, the needlefurther having an opening that provides access to the inner lumen, a snare havingan implant coupling element, the snare being positioned within the inner lumenof the needle, the snare being extendable from the needle opening to an extendedposition in which the implant coupling element is positioned outside of the innerlumen and retractable to a retracted position in which at least a portion of theimplant coupling element is positioned within the inner lumen, and a snare extensionmechanism provided on the handle, the extension mechanism being configuredto alternately extend and retract the snare.
