Fixation devices, systems and methods for engaging tissue

A system for fixation of native leaflets of a heart valve comprising:

• a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft, a proximal end portion and a distal end portion configured to be positioned proximate native leaflets of a heart valve from a remote vascular access point, the delivery catheter further comprising a rotatable actuator rod having a threaded fastener at a distal end thereof;
• and
• a fixation device releasably coupled by a threaded connection to the threaded fastener of the actuator rod, the fixation device comprising:
• a first arm moveable between a closed position and an open position by the actuator rod, wherein the first arm is configured to engage a ventricular side of a first native leaflet of the native leaflets;
• a second arm moveable between a closed position and an open position by the actuator rod, wherein the second arm is configured to engage a ventricular side of a second native leaflet of the native leaflets;
• a first gripping element movable relative to the first arm in the open position, the first gripping element biased toward the first arm on an atrial side of the first native leaflet to capture the first native leaflet of the heart valve therebetween;
• a second gripping element movable relative to the second arm in the open position, the second gripping element biased toward the second arm on an atrial side of the second native leaflet to capture the second native leaflet of the heart valve therebetween;
• and
• a covering disposed on each of the first gripping element and the second gripping element.