Patent ID: 8343174

Claim:
An implantable fixation device for engaging cardiac tissue, said device comprising: a pair of elements 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 movable 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, wherein in the closed position the pair of elements is adapted to reduce retrograde blood flow across the engaged tissue; a moveable stud coupled to the pair of elements wherein movement of the stud moves the elements between the open and the closed positions; and a locking mechanism coupled to the elements for locking the elements in place, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an engagement element engageable with the moveable stud so as to restrict movement of the stud, the engagement element having at least one protrusion which mates with at least one external groove on the stud so as to restrict movement of the stud.