Patent ID: 7655015

Claim:
A fixation device for engaging tissue comprising: a stud; a pair of proximal gripping elements operably coupled with the stud, each of the gripping elements having a first end, a free end opposite the first end, and a gripping surface therebetween for gripping the tissue, the first ends being movably coupled together such that the gripping elements are moveable between a first position wherein the free ends are spaced apart with the gripping surfaces generally facing away from each other, and a second position wherein the free ends are separated even further apart; a pair of distal fixation elements operably coupled with the stud, each of the fixation elements 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 are moveable between an open position wherein the free ends are spaced apart and a closed position wherein the free ends are closer together with the engagement surfaces generally facing each other; and a locking mechanism operably coupled to the fixation elements for locking the fixation elements in the open position, the closed position, or positions therebetween, the locking mechanism comprising a pair of movable barbells disposed on opposite sides of the stud, wherein in a locked position the barbells frictionally engage the stud and prevent movement thereof, and wherein in an unlocked position the barbells are separated from the stud allowing movement thereof.