Fixation devices, systems and methods for engaging tissue

A fixation device for engaging a heart valve tissue, said device comprising:

• a coupling member;
• a pair of fixation elements, each of the pair having a first end, a free end opposite the first end and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being pivotably coupled to the coupling member such that the fixation elements are movable from a closed position wherein the free ends are disposed at a separation angle of less than about 0° up to about 45° to a first open position wherein the free ends are disposed at a separation angle of up to about 360°, and wherein the fixation elements are adapted to atraumatically grasp and release the heart valve tissue, wherein the free ends are adapted to minimize trauma to the heart valve tissue, and wherein the engagement surfaces comprise a concave region in which the coupling member at least partially nests when the pair of fixation elements are in the closed position thereby reducing profile of the device, and wherein the fixation elements are at least partially covered with a covering material adapted to permit ingrowth of tissue thereto;
• and
• a pair of proximal elements, the pair of proximal elements each having a first end and a free end opposite the first end, the first ends being coupled to the coupling member such that the free ends of the proximal elements are movable relative to the coupling member, wherein each proximal element is at least partially recessed in the concave region of one of the pair of fixation elements when the heart valve tissue is not disposed therebetween.