Abstract: The invention relates to a holder/rotator device which may be used to hold and then rotate a heart valve prosthesis during implantation of the heart valve prosthesis. The device comprises holder/rotator which includes a post and a rotator head, and a handle. The rotator head comprises a gripping surface of a material which engages and grips the surface of the heart valve prosthesis and facilitates the smooth rotation of the valve.

Abstract: A manipulable low profile heart valve holder that can be pivotally attached to a handle that permits the heart valve holder and a retained heart valve prosthesis to be manipulated remotely during implantation. The heart valve holder is pivotable from a position wherein the plane of the orifice of a retained heart valve is parallel to the axis of the handle, to a second position wherein the plane of the retained heart valve is substantially 90.degree. to the axis of the handle. This pivoting arrangement particularly aids in manipulation of the heart valve prosthesis during implantation using trocars for access to the body cavity. Manipulation is accomplished by having controllable elements on the handle and retained on the exterior of the patient. Manipulation of the heart valve holder also may be done through separate instruments operating through separate trocars.

Abstract: A device for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a heart valve prosthesis holder. The holder includes a distal engaging surface adapted for engaging the heart valve prosthesis. The distal engaging surface carries a compliant member which maintains an occluder of the heart valve in a closed position during implantation.

Abstract: A holder for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a mechanism for attaching the holder to the heart valve prosthesis. The heart valve prosthesis includes a circular valve body having an annulus with a substantially annular aperture therein. At least one movable occluder is carried in the aperture and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The attachment mechanism attaches to the occluder thereby securing the holder to the heart valve prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a mechanism for attaching the device to the heart valve prosthesis. The heart valve prosthesis includes a circular valve body having an annulus with a substantially annular aperture therein. At least one movable occluder is carried in the annulus and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The occluder is carried on a strut coupled to a valve body. The attachment mechanism includes a member which couples to the strut, thereby affixing the device to the heart valve prosthesis. The attachment mechanism may be actuated to disengage the heart valve prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a mechanism for attaching the device to the heart valve prosthesis. The heart valve prosthesis includes a circular valve body having an annulus with a substantially annular aperture therein. At least one movable occluder is carried in the aperture and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The attachment mechanism includes a member which couples to the circular valve body thereby affixing the device to the heart valve prosthesis. The thickness of the device which extends in a direction above the heart valve prosthesis is reduced. The device is selectively removable from the heart valve prosthesis following implantation of the prosthesis in the heart tissue annulus of a patient.

Abstract: A device for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a handle and a low profile holder. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is attached to the low profile holder which includes a distal engaging surface adapted for engaging the heart valve prosthesis. The distal engaging surface of the low profile holder maintains a leaflet of the heart valve in a closed position during implantation. This provides a low profile to the heart valve and holder which facilitates insertion through a trocar in a patient.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve prosthesis for use in a heart includes an orifice defining a lumen therethrough for blood flow. An occluder is carried in the orifice and is movable between an open position which allows blood flow through the lumen and a closed position in which flow through the lumen is blocked. A suture cuff coupled to the orifice extends around an outer circumference of the orifice and is used for attaching the heart valve to a heart tissue annulus using sutures. The sutures are knotted proximate the suture cuff to secure the cuff to the annulus. A suture guard is coupled to the suture cuff and is movable between an open position in which the suture knot is exposed and a closed position in which the suture, suture knot and suture cuff are covered.