As shown in the figures, the snare element 32 is preferably a loop, although functional equivalents and alternatives to the snare loop are contemplated, and include, but are not limited to, balls, disks, or other structures that retain the suture loops 28 on the anchor element 14 (i.e., keep the suture loops 28 from inadvertent or unintended release) prior to selective release of the occluder.