Patent ID: 7811296

Claim:
A fixation system for engaging tissue comprising: an elongate shaft; a fixation device releasably connected with the elongate shaft, the fixation device comprising an actuation mechanism, at least two proximal elements and at least two distal elements, wherein the at least two distal elements each have a first end, a free end opposite the first end, an engagement surface therebetween for engaging the tissue and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and free end, the first ends of the at least two distal elements being pivotably coupled together with a pin disposed in an aperture in each of the first ends, such that the at least two distal elements pivot to engage tissue with the engagement surfaces, and wherein the actuation mechanism is operably coupled with the at least two distal elements, such that actuation of the actuation mechanism rotates the at least two distal elements between a closed position, an inverted position, and open positions therebetween, wherein the engagement surface comprises a concave shape, and the at least two proximal elements are at least partially recessed in the engagement surface; and an accessory comprising a support having at least two planar sections and coupleable with the fixation device, each planar section configured to substantially maintain its planar shape when said accessory is coupled with the tissue and said accessory is disposed at least partially between the distal elements, wherein the fixation system is adapted to capture tissue directly between the engagement surface of at least one of the distal elements and at least one of the planar sections.