Abstract: An improved implantation holder apparatus and system for holding bioprosthetic aortic valves for insertion into a heart. The handle system interacts with implantation holder and the valve in such a way that commissure support struts may be retracted by simply rotating the handle which allows the surgeon more room to work in tight quarters to complete the implantation process. Included is a handle system, which can be attached and detached, for securing the holder during application of the parachute stitching and moving the valve into position. Once the valve is in position, the handle may be retained in place, or removed for greater ease of access to the aortic cavity. Once the valve is fully sutured into place the handle may be easily reattached to the holder with an automatic cutting system to cut the sutures and allow the holder to be more easily and safely be retracted from the aorta.

Abstract: An improved implantation holder apparatus and system for holding bioprosthetic aortic valves for insertion into a heart. The handle system interacts with implantation holder and the valve in such a way that commissure support struts may be retracted by simply rotating the handle which allows the surgeon more room to work in tight quarters to complete the implantation process. Included is a handle system, which can be attached and detached, for securing the holder during application of the parachute stitching and moving the valve into position. Once the valve is in position, the handle may be retained in place, or removed for greater ease of access to the aortic cavity.

Abstract: A quick-release reversible ratchet wrench has a control rod which extends through a bore in the ratchet drive body and the drive lug thereof for axial movement to shift a detent ball in the drive lug between coupling and release conditions. The control rod is urged to the coupling position by a helical compression spring in the bore which engages an annular shoulder at the upper end of the control rod. A second spring member has ends clamped to the drive body by an anchor plate and a flexible bearing portion which bears against a side of the control rod in a circumferential groove, between the annular shoulder and an enlarged head, for tilting the control rod laterally to hold the annular shoulder in engagement with the drive body to prevent accidental axial movement of the control rod to its release position. The anchor plate has a cover portion which covers and protects the reversing lever of the ratchet assembly and guards the control rod.