The present invention is directed to a mechanism and procedure for adjusting a cardiac implant during the early post-operative period, such as, for example, the first 2-5 days after surgery. During the implant procedure, an adjustment tool is releasably attached to the adjustable implant. The adjustment tool remains connected to the implant following the procedure and extends from the patients body to allow for post-operative adjustment under normal beating heart conditions. Once the implant is adjusted, the adjustment tool is configured to release from the implant and be removed from the patients body without requiring access to the patients heart.
