Patent ID: 8211171

Claim:
A method of repairing a mitral valve in a patient, the method comprising: placing a circumferential annuloplasty tensioning element at least partially through a coronary sinus and over a coronary artery, wherein the circumferential annuloplasty tensioning element exerts compressive force on the coronary artery; determining where the coronary sinus passes over the coronary artery; interposing a protective support between the circumferential annuloplasty tensioning element and the coronary artery; and placing the circumferential annuloplasty tensioning element under tension, wherein the protective support comprises a central arch comprising shape memory material and is of sufficient rigidity and dimensions to inhibit application of pressure to the coronary artery when the circumferential annuloplasty tensioning element is placed under tension during mitral repair, thereby protecting the coronary artery.