Annuloplasty system

An annuloplasty system, comprising:

• a first holder component having an upper surface, a lower surface and a circumferential surface corresponding generally to the configuration of a heart valve annulus, the first holder component further comprising at least one outwardly extending member and deformable-to display a reduced circumference;
• an annuloplasty prosthesis, located adjacent to and extending at least partially around the circumferential surface such that the outwardly extending member extends alongside a lower surface of the prosthesis, preventing the prosthesis from moving downward and off of first holder component;
• and
• a second holder component, coupled to and extending above the first holder component, movable upwardly relative to the first holder component and comprising means for preventing deformation of the first holder component until upward movement of the second holder component.