A target tissue localization assembly includes a radially expandable
tissue anchor connected to the distal ends of an anchor assembly and an
elongated anchor actuator element. A lock, engageable between the
actuator element and the placement element, may be used to prevent
collapse of the anchor from its radially expanded state. A sheath may be
slidably mounted over the anchor assembly. The sheath and the anchor
assembly may be configured to permit the sheath to move in a proximal
direction, relative to the anchor assembly, past a chosen location while
preventing the sheath from moving past the chosen location in a distal
direction.