Patent ID: 8715343

Claim:
An apparatus for delivering an annuloplasty ring or prosthetic valve to a diseased cardiac valve having an inferior aspect and a superior aspect, said apparatus comprising: an elongated shank having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a first longitudinal axis extending between said first and second end portions, said first end portion including a rotatable annular lower support for contacting the inferior aspect of the diseased cardiac valve and a fixing member for securing the annuloplasty ring or prosthetic valve to, or in place of, the diseased cardiac valve, said lower support comprising an annular ring having oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces and a plane extending radially between said upper and lower surfaces, said lower support and said fixing member being movable relative to one another along said first longitudinal axis; a brace member comprising a barrel portion operably connected to a drive system, said barrel portion including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a second longitudinal axis extending between said first and second end portions, said drive system comprising a housing operably connected to an actuating handle, said drive system for slidably extending and withdrawing said elongated shank along said second longitudinal axis, said first end portion of said barrel portion includes an annular upper support configured for receiving an annuloplasty ring or prosthetic heart valve; and a locking mechanism operably connected to said housing and said elongated shank, said locking mechanism for securing said lower support and said fixing member at separate points along said first longitudinal axis of said elongated shank.