A fixation system for engaging tissue comprising: an implantable fixation device comprising a pair of fixation elements (18A, 18B) each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being movably coupled together such that the fixation elements (18A, 18B) are moveable between a closed position wherein the engagement surfaces face each other to a first open position wherein the engagement surfaces are positioned away from each other; an actuation mechanism coupled to the fixation elements (18A, 18B) adapted to move the fixation elements (18A, 18B) between the closed position and the first open position; and a pair of gripping elements (16A, 16B) comprising a first gripping element and a second gripping element, each of the gripping elements (16A, 16B) moveable with respect to one of the fixation elements (18A, 18B) and configured to be moved in opposition to one of the engagement surfaces so as to capture tissue therebetween; a gripper actuator releasably coupled to the implantable fixation device and configured to individually actuate the gripping elements (16A, 16B); an elongate delivery shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is releasably coupled to the proximal portion of the implantable fixation device; and said fixation system being characterized in that it further comprises an actuator rod that extends through the delivery shaft and into the implantable fixation device to actuate the pair of fixation elements (18A, 18B), wherein the delivery shaft comprises opening portions and spring members disposed on the exterior of the delivery shaft having bent portions that extend into the opening portions, each spring member having a notched end, wherein the notched ends of the spring members abut to form an opening sized to releasably engage the gripper actuator, optionally wherein the actuator rod has a taper shape configured to press the bent portions when the actuator rod is withdrawn from the implantable fixation device to release the gripper actuator by causing the notched ends to separate. an implantable fixation device comprising a pair of fixation elements (18A, 18B) each having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue, the first ends being movably coupled together such that the fixation elements (18A, 18B) are moveable between a closed position wherein the engagement surfaces face each other to a first open position wherein the engagement surfaces are positioned away from each other; an actuation mechanism coupled to the fixation elements (18A, 18B) adapted to move the fixation elements (18A, 18B) between the closed position and the first open position; and a pair of gripping elements (16A, 16B) comprising a first gripping element and a second gripping element, each of the gripping elements (16A, 16B) moveable with respect to one of the fixation elements (18A, 18B) and configured to be moved in opposition to one of the engagement surfaces so as to capture tissue therebetween; a gripper actuator releasably coupled to the implantable fixation device and configured to individually actuate the gripping elements (16A, 16B); an elongate delivery shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is releasably coupled to the proximal portion of the implantable fixation device; and said fixation system being characterized in that it further comprises an actuator rod that extends through the delivery shaft and into the implantable fixation device to actuate the pair of fixation elements (18A, 18B), wherein the delivery shaft comprises opening portions and spring members disposed on the exterior of the delivery shaft having bent portions that extend into the opening portions, each spring member having a notched end, wherein the notched ends of the spring members abut to form an opening sized to releasably engage the gripper actuator, optionally wherein the actuator rod has a taper shape configured to press the bent portions when the actuator rod is withdrawn from the implantable fixation device to release the gripper actuator by causing the notched ends to separate.