Abstract:
A suture template for facilitating implantation of a prosthetic valve includes a plurality of commissure portions (110) connected to a plurality of cusp portions (100) around an annulus. Each commissure portion has at least one notch (146) and each cusp portion can have an inwardly directed ledge (133) and at least one notch (138). In one embodiment, the notches open towards the bottom of the suture template. In another embodiment, the notches open towards the top of the suture template.