A support device for implanting a stentless heart valve prosthesis having three leaflets adapted for coapting and defining three corresponding commissures is disclosed. The support device includes a shaft defining a manipulation axis, the shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and three support formations integrally formed and extending from the proximal end of the shaft, the support formations angularly distributed about the manipulation axis of the shaft, such that each of the support formations correspond to locations of each of the commissures of the stentless heart valve prosthesis. The shaft includes a connection portion flexibly connecting the shaft and the support formations to permit a displacement of the manipulation axis with respect to the support formations. The shaft, the plurality of support formations and the connection portion are integrally formed from a single tubular element.