Patent ID: 7842085

Claim:
An annuloplasty ring and holder assembly combination, comprising: an annuloplasty ring configured for placement adjacent a heart valve; and a ring holder secured to the annuloplasty ring, the holder comprising: a T shaped lower template, including: a generally straight and elongated base structure forming a cross bar portion of the T-shaped lower template, the base structure engaging against a first portion of the annuloplasty ring; a first radial arm forming a post portion of the T-shaped lower template, the first radial arm extending perpendicularly from a middle of the base structure and across an open middle area to a second portion of the annuloplasty ring, the first radial arm comprising a radial arm engagement surface configured to engage against the second portion of the annuloplasty ring, the template only engaging the annuloplasty ring at the first and second portions thereof.