Abstract: Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.

Abstract: A tool guide may be used with a computer-assisted medical device. The tool guide comprises an elongated body comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The tool guide also comprises a joint attached to the first end of the elongated body and a mounting arm coupled to the elongated body via the joint. The tool guide also comprises a tool sleeve attached to the second end of the elongated body. The mounting arm is configured to be attached to a first articulated arm of the computer-assisted medical device, and the tool sleeve is adapted to receive an end effector attached to a second articulated arm of the computer-assisted medical device.

Abstract: A medical device retention system has a tubular first retention portion into which a medical device is inserted and configured to hold the inserted medical device; a second retention portion having a spherical shape with a predetermined radius and having a central point at a distal end side of the supported first retention portion; and a clamp configured to clip the second retention portion, wherein the clamp switches the second retention portion between a first state and a second state when the second retention portion is clipped by the clamp, when the clamp switches the second retention portion into the first state, movement of the second retention portion is fixed, and when the clamp switches the second retention portion into the second state, the second retention portion is movable along a predetermined surface with the central point as a movement center.

Abstract: A reusable flexible arm stabilizes tissues during surgical procedures. The stabilizer arm switches between a flexible state for conforming to a desired curvature and a rigid state for maintain a desired positioning. A suspension length provided by the stabilizer arm is also adjustable. The arm has an articulating portion with successive articulating links each having a central passage. A length adjustable portion has successive length-adjustable links each having a central passage. A tension cable extends through the central passages between a proximal one of the length-adjustable links and a distal one of the articulating links. A base member captures the length-adjustable links at a position corresponding to a desired extension length of the arm. A control mechanism is movable between a retracted position and an extended position to selectably separate the captured length-adjustable links, thereby adjusting a tension in the tension cable and a rigidity of the stabilizer arm.

Abstract: A surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongated portion, an end effector, a drive shaft, and a wick is disclosed. The wick is disposed within an outer sleeve of the elongated portion and is made from a fibrous material. The wick is configured to transfer moisture from a first portion of the wick to a second portion of the wick.

Abstract: Present invention teaches a portable teeth-cleaning device where a flexible water tank is stored inside the main body of the device; when water is being sent into the flexible water tank, getting it ready for use, the tank will expand in volume and come out of the main body. A pump is used to perform the water intake function and the water squirt-out function, via guide channels, with controlling means to control the mechanism of either 3 valves or 2 switch valves to effectuate the intended functions.

Abstract: A handpiece-type high-frequency vibration cutting device includes a housing (10); a vibration device (21); a holding member (11); a tool (12); and a controller (20) to control the operations of the vibration device (21). The controller (20) controls the vibration of the tool (12) due to the vibration device (21) such that the vibration is burst oscillation in which vibration and stop of vibration are repeated. The controller (20) also controls the entire burst frequency f1 of the tool (12) to be included in the range of 1 to 8 [Hz], one cycle of the burst frequency f1 including a burst period with the holding member (11) vibrating and a stop period with the tool (12) not vibrating. The controller (20) also controls the vibration frequency f2 of the tool (12) during the burst period such that the vibration frequency f2 is in the range of 20 to 60 [kHz].

Abstract: The present invention addresses above-noted objectives by providing a dental component that includes a coronal end, an apical end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the coronal end and the apical end. The dental component also includes an interface for assembly to another dental component, the interface comprising at least one indexing section for rotationally locking the dental component to the other dental component and at least one guiding section. The at least one guiding section and the at least one indexing section alternate about the longitudinal axis, wherein the guiding section includes an apically facing or coronally facing guiding surface. Further, a tangent to at least a portion of the guiding surface has a slope towards the next indexing section about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments are used to clean and enlarge the endodontic cavity space (ECS), also known as the root canal system, of a human tooth. This document describes novel endodontic instruments that are radially compressible, and methods for their use. Some embodiments include a shank and a body with a working surface. At least a portion of the working surface may define a center of mass path that spirals. The center of mass of a transverse cross-section of the working surface at the shank end can be offset from the axis of rotation of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endodontic file (100) for treatment of a dental nerve, the endodontic file including a head part (10) inserted into and removably coupled to a rotary power tool; a tissue removing blade part (30) inserted into a root canal of a patient and removing diseased tooth nerves; and a stress dispersing part (20) composed of a plurality of helical coil spring rods (22) having the same inner diameter and central axis in the same section of a longitudinal direction thereof between the head part (10) and the tissue removing blade part (30). Accordingly, stress occurring due to rotation resistance produced while the tissue removing blade part of the endodontic file rotates in the root canal is prevented from being concentrated on the tissue removing blade part and fracture of the endodontic file is minimized.

Abstract: An intra-oral simultaneous bilateral inter arch isolation appliance features a generally W-shaped body having first and second cheek retractor wings, and first and second transitions respectively joining the cheek retractor wings to a tongue crib of generally U-shaped configuration with an open posterior end. In a patient worn position, each cheek retractor wing runs buccally along a respective half of a patient's dental arches to retract and isolate buccal mucosa, while the transitions curve posteriorly around the rear molars between the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad to carry the tongue crib inside the dental arches, where it shields and isolates the tongue. Commissure cradles at anterior ends of the cheek retractor wings hook around the patient's oral commissures at terminal ends of the appliance. Inner passageways within the body accommodate fluid extraction and/or light transmission through the appliance.

Abstract: Systems and methods of generating an orthodontic model are disclosed. The method may include: generating an initial model of a patient dentition; generating a target model of the patient dentition; defining a plurality of caps and a plurality of links, wherein each link connects two of the plurality of caps; generating a relaxed model of a dental appliance from the plurality of caps and the plurality of links; generating a deformed model of a dental appliance from the plurality of caps and plurality of links; and determining a plurality of movements, wherein the plurality of moments transform the relaxed model to the deformed model and wherein the moments are configured to direct the patient dentition from the initial model to the target model.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing orthodontic appliances are provided herein utilizing iterative modeling techniques to increase the efficiency and efficacy of said appliances. Further disclosed herein are the orthodontic appliances fabricated from such methods.

Abstract: System and methods for positioning 3D virtual brackets on teeth for the precise positioning of conventional brackets and wire. Various reference features may be calculated for the teeth and used to calculate a position for the virtual bracket. Reference features that are calculated include curve of Spee, Andrew's plane, and a facial axis of the clinical crown for the teeth.

Abstract: Method and system for managing multiple impressions of a patient's jaw for an orthodontic treatment are provided. The method includes scanning at least a first impression and a second impression of the same jaw for the orthodontic treatment; determining if the first jaw impression and the second jaw impression have distortion in different areas; selecting the first jaw impression or the second jaw impression as a base impression; and replacing distorted tooth data from the base impression with data for the same tooth from a non-base impression. The method also includes scanning at least a first jaw impression for the orthodontic treatment; scanning a bite impression for the orthodontic treatment; matching the scanned first jaw impression with the scanned bite impression; comparing bite information with a tooth occlusal surface; and determining if reconstruction is to be performed on the tooth occlusal surface.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance comprising a shell shaped to receive a patient's teeth and to urge one or more teeth into a predetermined alignment and/or orientation, the shell including a jaw-biasing region which extends beyond the patient's internal gum line when the shell is worn over the patient's teeth, the jaw-biasing region being configured to apply a bias to the jaw to modify the shaping thereof. By modifying the shape of the jaw to accommodate the patient's repositioned teeth, the present orthodontic appliance may be able to reduce the likelihood and/or severity of orthodontic relapse, thereby achieving a more stable outcome for the patient.

Abstract: A dental appliance comprising a veneer, bridge, or crown with an integrated brace together formed as a single piece of material. The braces, crowns, veneers, and bridges may be printed with 3-dimesional (3D) software and SLA milling. Embodiments of the present invention provide the printed veneer, crown or bridge with an orthodontic portion (“brace” or “bracket”) that is all one piece. This can be used to move teeth orthodontically and provide a degree of esthetics. The appliance may include identification marks, which may guide placement of the appliance in a patient's mouth. The brace and identification marks can be removed, leaving the veneer, crown, or bridge behind.

Abstract: A method of producing a positioning guide for an orthodontic bracket is provided. The method includes determining and fixing a position of the orthodontic bracket in relation to a side surface of a corresponding tooth of a setup dental model, wherein the setup dental model has a dentition state of the patient's dental arch after orthodontic treatment; forming a rigid guiding structure with a first part covering the outer surface of each orthodontic bracket and a second part covering the occlusal surface of the corresponding tooth; and forming a flexible linking structure to connect the first part and the second part of the rigid guiding structure to obtain the positioning guide for the respective orthodontic bracket, wherein the rigid guiding structure is inflexible and the flexible linking structure is elastic and retains form.

Abstract: Intraosseous dental implant comprising a shaft (1 1) provided with a first end (12), a second end (13) opposite the first end (12), and at least one threading (14) made on the external surface of the shaft (1 1).

Abstract: A dental implant assembly comprising a healing component (10) removably attachable to a coronal end of a dental implant (40) and an impression component (20) having an outer surface, an upper portion (21) and a lower portion (22) and being removably attachable to the healing component (10). The healing component (10) has an internal bore (13) for receiving at least part of the lower portion (22) of said impression component (20) therein and the internal bore having a shoulder on an inner surface thereof acting as an axial locator providing an endstop for axial movement of said impression component (20) within said bore (13). The assembly further comprises a rotational locator limiting rotational movement between said impression component (20) and said healing component (10), the rotational locator comprising a formation on said outer surface of the impression component (20) and/or a formation on said inner surface of said bore (13) of the healing component (10).

Abstract: An abutment for holding a dental prosthesis to a jaw implant, having: an apical section detachably fastening the abutment to the jaw implant, the apical section being structured along a first central axis; a coronal section detachably fastening the dental prosthesis to the abutment, the coronal section being structured along a second central axis, wherein the second central axis extends at an angle to the first central axis; and an indexing element in a shell surface of the coronal section specifying an orientation of a display element that is coupleable to the coronal section for a digital scanning operation, based on an orientation of the first central axis. A display element coupling to an abutment coronal section, and displaying a position and orientation of the abutment for a digital scanning operation, a tooth model system having an abutment and a display element, and a method producing a dental prosthesis.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a model of a patient's mandible and any teeth supported from the mandible and manipulating the mandible relative to anatomical features of the patient's maxilla. The system uses markers positioned on the mandible and on the maxilla to create a functional mandibular axis that approximates an axis through the condyles of the patient. The functional mandibular axis and geometric and anatomical information about the patient's upper and lower jaw are then used to create prostheses for the patient. The system is also used for making corrections to the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method of generating a three-dimensional virtual model of an intraoral object includes capturing, by an intraoral scanner for performing intraoral scans, surface scan data of the intraoral object while changing a position of at least one lens of focusing optics of the intraoral scanner, wherein the surface scan data comprises depth data for a plurality of points of the intraoral object. The method further includes adjusting the depth data for one or more of the plurality of points based at least in part on a value associated with a temperature of at least a portion of the imaging apparatus. The method further includes generating the three-dimensional virtual model of the intraoral object using the adjusted depth data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a dental prosthesis from a one-piece or multi-piece prosthesis blank which is constructed from a gum-colored material and a tooth-colored material (32), in particular in each case on a plastic base. It is characterized by being connected to each other at connecting surfaces, having an interface between the gum-colored and tooth-colored materials. This interface, when viewed along the connecting surfaces has an undulating shape and viewed in the vestibular direction has a radial shape. In order to finish the dental prosthesis, a CAD/CAM device determines the exact course of a gingival line, based on patient-specific data, and produces the prosthesis.

Abstract: A mounting element for a dental prosthesis, the prosthesis including at least one bridge, the mounting element and prosthesis being formed using 3D printing, where the mounting element has an axis of elongation and comprises an engagement portion, for fixedly engaging the prosthesis and an attachment portion, for enabling secure attachment of the prosthesis to the jig during machining, the mounting element further comprises a registration portion for aligning, in use, the prosthesis in a precise position and/or orientation on a jig during machining, the registration portion comprises a tapering portion having a conically tapering outer surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable teeth cleaning apparatus, which implements, through a pump in a teeth cleaner, a function of supplementing a teeth cleaning liquid from a connecting seat connected to the teeth cleaner. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to connect the teeth cleaner to a teeth cleaning liquid source through a connecting hose during teeth cleaning, and liquid leakage is avoided during liquid supplement. Further, a seating/unseating status and whether a liquid reservoir is filled up are detected automatically, and a controller controls on/off and switching of a series of valves, thereby implementing automatic liquid supplement of the teeth cleaner.

Abstract: A saliva management system may be configured to manage fluid transfer with respect to first and second bodily regions. The system may include an anchoring member and a connector member. The anchoring member may be configured conformingly engage the first and second bodily regions. The connector member may include a capture portion and a fluid transfer portion. The capture portion may be configured to receive a central portion of the anchoring member. The fluid transfer portion may be being fluidically connected to a supply source.

Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and a replacement head that is detachably coupled to the handle. The oral care implement may include a handle having a longitudinal axis that includes a gripping portion and a stem extending from the gripping portion. The gripping portion may have a shoulder that circumferentially surrounds the stem and an annular rib protruding from the shoulder. The replacement head may have a sleeve portion terminating in a proximal edge that is formed from a resilient material. The replacement head may be detachably coupled to the handle so that the annular rib of the shoulder and the proximal edge of the sleeve portion that is formed of elastomeric material are in contact with one another.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for monitoring either or both the performance of an orthodontic appliance for repositioning a patient's teeth and/or the user compliance in wearing the appliance using a biosensor. The apparatuses described herein may include one or more sensors, including biosensors, electrical sensors, or both, configured to generate sensor data related to user compliance and/or repositioning of the patient's teeth by an orthodontic appliance.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of periodontal disease includes a handle that has a configuration familiar to dental professionals, and a detachable tip or cartridge, that is locked into the handle when use. The device provides for automatically delivering a single dose of medicament, such as a powdered preparation of antibiotic, to a periodontal pocket for treatment of infection or disease.

Abstract: [Problem] To select a dental cement or a trial test material for easily obtaining high color tone adaptability to peripheral tooth substances, in mounting of or trial test of a prosthesis device [Solution] To provide a dental cement set consisting of a plurality of dental cements having color tones including color tones of 3 to n colors for selecting and using a dental cement from the plurality of dental cements having the color tones including the color tones of the 3 to n colors after trial test with trial test materials for the dental cement to be used from the plurality of dental cements having the color tones including the color tones of the 3 to n colors, wherein: the amount of information loss Pin with regard to first principal component determined by principal component analysis is less than 2, and . the dental cement set satisfies following Formula 1.

Abstract: A packaging system for use with a ureteral stent having an elongated shaft extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion may include a tray base. The tray base may include at least one first post, a second post, and a projection or a groove configured to respectively secure the distal end portion, the proximal end portion, and a tether of the ureteral stent on the tray base.

Abstract: An endoluminal valve (30) for controlling fluid flow during a surgical procedure is integrated into an access branch (24) of a tubular prosthetic device (10), the access branch (24) receiving a delivery system (100) including a shaft (110), a housing (112) with a depressible finger actuator (122) configured to contact a resilient wall surface (38) of inwardly tapering closure elements (40) of the integrated valve (30), and a fluid venting plug (133) on the shaft (110) which removably seats in an access opening (34) at the proximal end (32) of the endoluminal valve (30), wherein the proximal end (32) is secured within a lumen (26) of the access branch (24) and a distal end (36) of the endoluminal valve (30) located within the lumen (26) comprises self-sealing edges (42) coming together to form a flow-inhibiting seal.

Abstract: An implantable device including a matrix and a zinc-containing layer at least partially covering the substrate. The zinc-containing layer includes a zinc compound. The ratio of the mass of the zinc element in the zinc-containing layer to the surface area of the implantable device is 0.1-200 ?g/mm2. The average porosity of the zinc-containing layer is 30% or less. By matching the ratio of the mass of zinc in the zinc-containing layer to the surface area of the implantable device with the average porosity of the zinc-containing layer, the release rate of zinc is controlled within a reasonable range so that the rate of formation of the zinc-containing substance is controlled such that the concentration of the zinc-containing substance accumulated in the tissue is higher than the concentration which inhibits the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and is always lower than the toxic concentration which causes cell death.

Abstract: A tissue lumen stent is provided with a body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration. In the foreshortened configuration, downstream and upstream ends of the body expand radially into downstream and upstream flange structures, leaving a generally cylindrical saddle region therebetween. In some embodiments, the flange structures are non-symmetrical with respect to one another. Systems and methods of using the stents are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular graft protector configured for removal from ingrown tissue comprising an axial spine from which emanate a plurality of semi-circular circumferential rib sets having ends separated by a circumferential gap and wherein each rib set is separated by an axial gap.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a substrate (10) defining a major surface (9) defining a plane, including a plurality of first struts (14) along a first direction interconnected with a plurality of second struts (12) extending along a second direction not parallel with the first direction, wherein widths (11) of the second struts as measured along the major surface are larger than thicknesses of the second struts as measured perpendicular to the major surface such that when the substrate is stretched in the first direction, intermediate sections (15) of the second struts (12) rotate relative to the first struts (14) and the intermediate sections of the second struts bend out of the plane of the major surface. The medical device is operable to extend and/or retract elements suitable for a particular purpose. The elements are extended and/or retracted in response to a stress applied by way of stretching and/or retracting the device, among other methods.

Abstract: Provided are a tubular therapeutic implement, a tubular therapeutic implement set, and a tubular therapeutic implement indwelling device, all of which enable appropriate indwelling at a branching portion in a tubular tissue. This stent graft 30 is provided with: a frame portion (32) having a plurality of frame pieces (321-325); and a tubular graft portion (33) which is provided along the frame portion, wherein the tube wall of the graft portion is provided with a lateral opening (through-hole 36 of a branching section 35) that is connected with an inner cavity of the graft portion, and when the region between one end and the other end of the graft portion is compartmented into a first region (P) that includes the lateral opening and a second region (Q) that dose not include the lateral opening, the frame pieces are not situated in the first region, but are in the second region.

Abstract: A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a graft material. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter smaller than the first end diameter. The first end portion comprises a first material. The second end portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The intermediate portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. The graft material is coupled to at least the intermediate portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various attachment devices for anchoring tendons within bone and associated methods and systems. Disclosed is a device for repairing/reconstructing a ligament rupture via compression and grasping. The device includes first and second elongate body portions, where each elongate body portion includes at least one elongate member having a first end and a second end and a plurality of bands coupled to the at least one elongate member. The device further includes a connection structure disposed at a distal end of the at least one elongate member connecting the first and second elongate body portions such the first and second elongate body portions are movable in relation to each other. The device also includes an lumen defined by the first and second elongate body portions for insertion of a tendon graft.

Abstract: Lenses and methods are provided for improving peripheral and/or central vision for patients who suffer from certain retinal conditions that reduce central vision or patients who have undergone cataract surgery. The lens is configured to improve vision by having an optic configured to focus light incident along a direction parallel to an optical axis at the fovea in order to produce a functional foveal image. The optic is configured to focus light incident on the patient's eye at an oblique angle with respect to the optical axis at a peripheral retinal location disposed at a distance from the fovea, the peripheral retinal location having an eccentricity between ?30 degrees and 30 degrees. The image quality at the peripheral retinal location is improved by reducing at least one optical aberration at the peripheral retinal location. The method for improving vision utilizes ocular measurements to iteratively adjust the shape factor of the lens to reduce peripheral refractive errors.

Abstract: Methods of vision correction that include implanting a first lens and a second lens of a lens pair. The methods include implanting the first lens into a first eye of the subject, the first lens configured with positive extended depth of field, and implanting the second lens into a second eye of the subject, the second lens configured with negative extended depth of field, where the second eye is different than the first eye.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for improving or optimizing peripheral vision. In particular, methods are disclosed which include utilizing particular characteristics of the retina in improving or optimizing peripheral vision. Additionally, various IOL designs, as well as IOL implantation locations, are disclosed which improve or optimize peripheral vision.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repair the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a delivery catheter and a valve repair device. The valve repair device is disposed inside the delivery catheter. The valve repair device includes a pair of paddles and a pair of gripping members. The pair of paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position. The pair of paddles and the pair of gripping members are configured to secure the valve repair device to leaflets of the native valve. The pair of paddles are compressed inside the delivery catheter. Each paddle of the pair of paddles is configured to expand upon exiting the delivery catheter to increase the surface area of each paddle.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis including a tubular stent, a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent, and a centering mechanism coupled to and encircling an outer surface of the tubular stent. The centering mechanism includes a self-expanding centering ring having an expanded diameter in the expanded configuration that is greater than an expanded diameter of the tubular stent in the expanded configuration and a plurality of self-expanding spokes radially extending between the tubular stent and the centering ring. The centering mechanism may include a base ring and/or a skirt. Alternatively, the centering mechanism includes a plurality of self-expanding loops. When each loop is in a delivery configuration the loop has a straightened profile that proximally extends from a proximal end of the tubular stent. When each loop is in an expanded configuration the loop has a U-shaped profile radially spaced apart from the tubular stent.

Abstract: A method for preparing tissue, in particular pericardial tissue, in particular for a heart valve prosthesis, the method including: decellularizing the tissue; subjecting the decellularized tissue to a cross-linking solution including glutaraldehyde; subjecting the tissue to a shape- and structure-stabilizing step, in which the tissue is exposed to a first solution containing glycerol and is exposed to a second solution containing polyethylene glycol; and drying the tissue after the shape- and structure-stabilizing step.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve can have an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body can be mounted onto the expandable frame to provide functionality similar to a natural valve. The valve body has an upstream end and a downstream end, and a diameter at the downstream end is greater than a diameter at the upstream end.

Abstract: A catheter for positioning a valve during a transcatheter aortic valve replacement is formed from a resilient hollow body conformable to a guide wire when a guide wire is passed in through an upper opening in the hollow body and through the hollow body. When the guide wire is retracted, the catheter deploys to form a substantially straight upper shaft portion that extends downwardly from the upper opening and a distal ring perpendicular to the upper shaft portion. The distal ring approximates the size and shape of the patient's aortic valve annulus. A lower loop connects the upper shaft portion of the catheter to the distal ring. An outer surface of the distal ring is radiopaque, and the distal ring comprises openings for dispersing radio opaque medium used in imaging of the patient's aortic valve annulus. The deployed catheter is retracted until it snugly contacts the aortic valve annulus.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis and methods for implanting the prosthesis are provided. The prosthesis generally includes a self-expanding frame and two or more engagement arms. A valve prosthesis is sutured to the self-expanding frame. Each engagement arm corresponds to a native mitral valve leaflet. At least one engagement arm immobilizes the native leaflets, and holds the native leaflets close to the main frame. The prosthetic mitral valve frame also includes two or more anchor attachment points. Each anchor attachment point is attached to one or more anchors that help attach the valve prosthesis to the heart.

Abstract: An improved holder and storage system for prosthetic heart valves that pre-shields or pre-constricts the commissure posts of the valve to prevent suture looping. Pre-shielding and pre-constriction mean at the time of manufacture, so that the valves are stored with the commissure posts shielded and/or constricted. The holders may have solid legs that directly contact and constrict and hold the commissure posts without the use of sutures in tension that might creep over the time in storage. The holder may have a base in contact with the inflow end and a shaft portion that projects through the valve leaflets and cooperates with movable legs on the outflow end of the valve in contact with the commissure posts. The holders may, alternatively, have flexible leg members that extend through the valve and have distal end portions configured to extend over and shield the tips of commissure posts.