Apparatus for use in conjunction with implanting a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve in a patient by means that are less invasive than traditional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The apparatus may include a one-way valve for preventing blood from escaping from the patients circulatory system when that system is entered to implant the prosthetic heart valve. The apparatus may include various forms of cutters for gaining access to the patients circulatory system. The apparatus may include various forms of devices for quickly closing the access to the patients circulatory system after the prosthetic heart valve has been implanted.
