An improved, non-resorbable annuloplasty ring that will provide support for
the valve annulus while also promoting healing and/or regeneration of the
annulus tissue is disclosed. Healing and/or regeneration of valvular
tissue is promoted using a growth factor mixture that has been shown to be
capable of promoting growth of a wide range of tissues, including heart
valve tissue, and which promotes tissue growth based upon the local tissue
environment (i.e., specific cell recruitment and proliferation). Thus, an
annuloplasty ring that provides an actual healing response in addition to
mechanical support to a dilated heart valve annulus is provided.