Patent ID: 8216304

Claim:
An annuloplasty ring and holder assembly combination, comprising: an annuloplasty ring having a continuous periphery with an elongated generally oval-shape in plan view defining a major axis and a corresponding major axis dimension across a widest span, and a minor axis perpendicular to the major axis and across the middle of the annuloplasty ring, and a corresponding minor axis dimension, the major axis dimension being substantially longer than the minor axis dimension; and a ring holder, comprising: an upstanding post having an attachment assembly to which a handle can be removably secured; a lower template portion secured to the post and including first and second narrow arms extending outward in generally opposite directions from the post and terminating in first and second ring securing segments having suture holes, each of the ring securing segments having an arcuate shape oriented to be convex outward and being narrow in a radial direction so as to form a T-shape with the associated narrow arm, and wherein the ring securing segments are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the major axis dimension so that the ring securing segments each engage and conform to an inner edge of the annuloplasty ring, wherein the narrow arms and narrow arcuate ring securing segments leave open a large portion of the area enclosed by the annuloplasty ring thus enhancing visibility therethrough; and restraining sutures between the ring securing segments and the arcuate sides of the annuloplasty ring releasably securing the ring holder to the annuloplasty ring.