Heart valve holder having a locking collar

A prosthetic heart valve holder for holding a prosthetic heart valve, the prosthetic heart valve holder comprising:

• a set of jaws, wherein each jaw includes a distal end adapted for coupling to the prosthetic heart valve and a proximal end;
• a hinge assembly pivotally coupling the jaws together between the distal and proximal ends and defining an axis of the holder wherein a jaw is positioned on each side of the axis and the axis extends from the proximal ends to the distal ends, the hinge assembly allowing movement of the jaws between an engaged position for grasping the prosthetic heart valve and a disengaged position in which the prosthetic heart valve is free from the distal ends;
• and
• a collar substantially rigid and formed from a single unitary piece to maintain an aperture therethrough, the collar being movably attached to the jaws and slidable between a first position in which the proximal ends are free from the collar to pivot and a second position in which the proximal ends extend into the aperture and the collar holds the proximal ends of the jaws whereby the distal ends are held in position to engage the prosthetic heart valve.