Patent ID: 8690939

Claim:
A method comprising: coupling a tissue-engaging element to a first portion of cardiac tissue of a heart of a patient; advancing toward the tissue-engaging element an adjustment mechanism along at least a portion of at least one guide member, a distal end of which is removably attached by a docking assembly to the tissue-engaging element, the adjustment mechanism engaging at least a first portion of at least a first flexible longitudinal member; coupling a second portion of the first flexible longitudinal member to a second portion of cardiac tissue; following the coupling of the second portion of the first flexible longitudinal member to the second portion of cardiac tissue: sliding the adjustment mechanism further along the guide member; and securing the adjustment mechanism within the heart of the patient by locking the adjustment mechanism to the tissue-engaging element; using the adjustment mechanism, adjusting a length of the first flexible longitudinal member between the first and second portions of cardiac tissue; and detaching the guide member from the docking assembly after the locking of the adjustment mechanism to the tissue-engaging element.