Patent ID: 7371259

Claim:
A method of implanting an annuloplasty band for repairing an atrio-ventricular valve defining a valve annulus, the method comprising: providing an annuloplasty band including a sheath and a generally arcuate stiffening element disposed within the sheath, the stiffening element extending from a first end to a second end and defining a compound curve shape between the first and second ends so as to mimic at least a portion of a natural valve annulus, each end forming an eyelet adapted to receive a suture; positioning the annuloplasty band along at least a portion of the valve annulus; and suturing the respective eyelets to tissue of the valve annulus and further suturing the annuloplasty band between the first and second ends thereof to tissue of the valve annulus for shaping the valve annulus based upon the shape of the stiffening element.