Compact mitral valve holder assembly

Abstract

A simplified heart valve holder for preventing suture looping during mitral valve replacement which has a smaller profile that improves visibility. The holder has only three components: a holder body that abuts the heart valve with a central cavity that receives a rotor, and a torque adapter that extends down through a bore in the rotor and engages the holder body with a threaded shaft stub. Rotation of the torque adapter causes rotation of the rotor to tension constriction sutures passing through the heart valve and cause them to constrict valve commissure tips. The torque adapter has an upstanding rim that locks the holder to a packaging clip and decouples to allow release of the holder and attached heart valve. The holder has a reduced profile such that it more easily passes though an intercostal incision than prior holders, and may be pivotally coupled to a delivery handle.

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