Patent ID: 6113598
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for welding a vessel comprising:a first member having a first vessel engaging surface;a second member having a second vessel engaging surface, the second vessel engaging surface disposed in opposing relation to the first vessel engaging surface, the second member operatively coupled to the first member to engage a portion of the vessel to define an engagement plane;means for elongating the portion of the vessel when the first member and second member close towards one another, the means for elongating progressively engaging the vessel to squeeze fluid out of the portion of the vessel disposed between the first and second members; andfirst and second bi-polar electrodes disposed in spaced apart relation on one of the first and second members and adapted to be in communication with the engagement plane, the first and second bi-polar electrodes adapted to be coupled to a source of RF energy to provide a flow of current between the first and second bi-polar electrodes.