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In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for modifying the annulus of a cardiac valve to reduce regurgi tation of blood flow through the cardiac valve comprises a first annuloplasty ring having a first diameter and being dis posed about a first aspect of the annulus of the cardiac valve, and an elongate flexible body comprising proximal and distal end portions and being insertable into the first annuloplasty ring. The elongate flexible body includes an adjustable mechanism for selectively adjusting the elongate flexible body from a first relaxed configuration to a second tensioned configuration. The first annuloplasty ring is adaptable to obtain a second Smaller diameter and to cause the annulus of the cardiac valve to be modified and reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve when the elongate flex ible body obtains the second tensioned configuration. In another aspect of the present …