a support device for implanting a stentless heart valve prosthesis having three leaflets adapted for coapting and defining three corresponding commissures is disclosed . the support device includes a shaft defining a manipulation axis , the shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion , and three support formations integrally formed and extending from the proximal end of the shaft , the support formations angularly distributed about the manipulation axis of the shaft , such that each of the support formations correspond to locations of each of the commissures of the stentless heart valve prosthesis . the shaft includes a connection portion flexibly connecting the shaft and the support formations to permit a displacement of the manipulation axis with respect to the support formations . the shaft , the plurality of support formations and the connection portion are integrally formed from a single tubular element .