Patent ID: 8337446

Claim:
An implantable device for holding a surgeon selected prosthetic heart valve comprising: a. a first housing having a first end with a first internal diameter, a second end with a second internal diameter, and a transition region axially spaced between said first and second ends with a varying internal diameter, said second internal diameter being larger than said first internal diameter, b. an annular surface extending radially outward from said second end of said first housing having seating means for seating to an annular periphery surface of a prosthetic heart valve, c. a second housing having a first end with a first internal diameter, a second end with a second internal diameter, and a transition region axially spaced between said first and second ends with a varying internal diameter, said second internal diameter being larger than said first internal diameter, d. an annular surface on said second end of said second housing having seating means for seating to the annular periphery surface of the prosthetic heart valve, and e. a connecting member for joining said second end of said first housing with said second end of said second housing, said connector member movable relative to said first and second housings, f. wherein said radially extending annular surface of said first housing is receivable within said second end of said second housing when said first and second housings are joined with said connecting member and further wherein said connecting member is structured to compress and immobilize said prosthetic heart valve between said first and second housings.