US005578076A
United States Patent [19] [ii] Patent Number: 5,578,076
Krueger et al. [45] Date of Patent: Nov. 26, 1996
5,403,305 4/1995 Sauteretal 623/2
5,443,502 8/1995 Caudillo et al 623/900
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
1690738 4/1989 U.S.S.R. .
1690739 11/1991 U.S.S.R 623/2
9117720 11/1991 WIPO .
9418881 9/1994 WIPO .
W095/15715 6/1995 WIPO .
9517139 6/1995 WIPO.
Primary Examiner—John G. Weiss
Assistant Examiner—Bruce E. Snow
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Hallie A. Finucane
[57] ABSTRACT
A device for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a handle and a low profile holder. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is attached to the low profile holder which includes a distal engaging surface adapted for engaging the heart valve prosthesis. The distal engaging surface of the low profile holder maintains a leaflet of the heart valve in a closed position during implantation. This provides a low profile to the heart valve and holder which facilitates insertion through a trocar in a patient.
27 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
