A system is provided for repairing a cardiac valve of a patient. The system includes a tissue-engaging stent, which is configured to be implanted in a portion of a blood vessel that is in contact with an atrium of a heart of the patient and a tissue-engaging element, which is configured for implantation at least in part in cardiac tissue at a cardiac implantation site. The system further includes a flexible longitudinal member, which has (a) a first portion that is coupled to the tissue-engaging element, and (b) a second portion that comprises one or more engaging elements, which are configured to be coupled to a strut of the tissue-engaging stent following the implantation of the tissue-engaging element, thereby maintaining tension between the tissue-engaging element and the tissue-engaging stent.
