ANNULOPLASTY RING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A RING HOLDER WITH A FLEXIBLE SHAFT

摘要

An annuloplasty ring assembly includes an annuloplasty ring configured to be secured to an annulus of a heart valve and a ring holder having a template and a handle attachment assembly. The template includes an upper proximal face, a lower distal face, and a peripheral edge portion configured to receive the annuloplasty ring in conformal contact therewith. The handle attachment assembly includes a flexible shaft and a rigid handle adapter. The flexible shaft has a distal end attached to the template and a proximal end attached to the rigid handle adapter. The flexible shaft is rigid enough to maintain the shape of the annuloplasty ring assembly at a plurality of different positions during implantation while permitting the user to bend the flexible shaft to facilitate access and positioning of the annuloplasty ring on the annulus of the heart valve.