The present invention is an improved apparatus for holding and maneuvering a valve during preparation and attachment to patient. The present invention is particularly useful for increased visibility of the prosthetic valve and the sewing ring to prevent suture entanglement. The present invention is used most effectively with mitral valves having commissure posts on the outflow side of the valve structure but may be used with other valve configurations. The present invention spaces the handle attachment from the valve for improved visibility of the sewing ring and the outlet end of the valve during attachment. The present invention is adapted to safely bend the commissure posts inward at the tips while preventing crashing the commissure posts into each other causing damage.
