LOW PROFILE HOLDER FOR HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS

摘要

A device for engaging a heart valve prosthesis (18) during implantation includes a handle (91) and a low profile holder (14). The handle (91) has a proximal end (92) and a distal end (94). The distal end (94) is attached to the low profile holder (14) which engages the heart valve prosthesis (18). The low profile holder (14) maintains an occluder (24, 26) of the heart valve (12) in a closed position during implantation. This provides a low profile to the heart valve (12) and holder (14) which facilitates insertion through a trocar in a patient.