Patent ID: 6132429
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
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 and right and left lateral portions, 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 grasp the vessel to define an engagement plane, the right and left lateral portions deflecting outwardly away from one another to elongate the engagement plane when the first member engages the second member; 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.