Abstract: An improved mechanical heart valve that reduces the time required to perform heart valve replacement surgery is provided. The mechanical heart valve is comprised of a valve body and a plurality of staples extending around the valve body that are coupled to the valve body through at least one intermediate member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting a heart valve annulus. The apparatus includes an actuator and a backup plate coupled to the actuator. The apparatus also includes an annulus cutter movably coupled to the actuator. The annulus cutter can thereby oppose and engage the backup plate. The method includes positioning a backup plate proximate heart valve tissue to be removed. An annulus cutter is then positioned proximate the heart valve tissue opposing the backup plate. The annulus cutter is engaged in opposition with the backup plate to cut the heart valve tissue and form a heart valve annulus. The heart valve tissue is then removed.