Dry prosthetic heart valve packaging system

A packaging assembly for storing a bioprosthetic heart valve without a liquid preservative solution, the packaging assembly comprising:

• a sub-assembly comprising a holder, a clip member and a protective cage,
• the holder comprising an engagement structure configured for removably attaching an inflow end of the bioprosthetic heart valve, the holder comprising a shaft;
• the clip member comprising a radial slot for receiving the shaft of the holder;
• the protective cage comprising an upper end and configured to enclose the bioprosthetic heart valve when the upper end is attached to the clip member;
• and
• an insert sized to provide a cap over the cavity of the storage tray, the insert comprising a slot having a closed central end and an open outer periphery, the shaft of the holder being non-rotatably retained at the closed central end, wherein the insert defines a flat, generally planar disc comprising at least one of outward projections and flow passages;
• a storage tray comprising a cavity for housing the sub-assembly, the storage tray comprising a stepped ledge to suspend the sub-assembly within the cavity;
• wherein the packaging assembly does not comprise a liquid preservative solution.