A holder (24) for an annulopiastyring (22) having a template (26)defining a proximal face opposite the distalface (50), and a peripheral edge (28) aboutwhich the annulopiasty ring conforms. Theannulopiasty ring anchors to the templateusing one or more flexible filaments (110).The template includes a single cutting well(48) on its proximal face over which theflexible filament is suspended. Desirably,the single cutting well is located adjacentthe peripheral edge so as to be away fromany handle connections for ease of access.The flexible filament emerges above theproximal face of the template at only onelocation at the cutting well, thus presentinga one cut quick- release structure that ishighly visible to the surgeon.
