An annuloplasty repair segment and template for heart valve annulus
repair. The elongate flexible template may form a distal part of a holder
that also has a proximal handle. Alternatively, the template may be
releasably attached to a mandrel that slides within a delivery sheath,
the template being released from the end of the sheath to enable
manipulation by a surgeon. A tether connecting the template and mandrel
may also be provided. The template may be elastic, temperature
responsive, or multiple linked segments. The template may be aligned with
the handle and form a two- or three-dimensional curve out of alignment
with the handle such that the annuloplasty repair segment attached
thereto conforms to the curve. The template may be actively or passively
converted between its straight and curved positions. The combined holder
and ring is especially suited for minimally-invasive surgeries in which
the combination is delivered to an implantation site through a small
access incision with or without a cannula, or through a catheter passed
though the patient's vasculature.
