Patent ID: 8226650

Claim:
A bipolar forceps, comprising: an end effector assembly having a flexible jaw member and a fixed jaw member, the flexible jaw member having a flange extending therefrom operably coupled to the fixed jaw member about a pivot; a drive assembly operably coupled to the flange and configured to pivot the flexible jaw member relative to the fixed jaw member from a first position wherein the flexible jaw member is disposed in spaced relation relative to the fixed jaw member and a second position wherein the flexible jaw member is closer to the fixed jaw member; a handle operably coupled to the drive assembly and movable between an open position when the jaw members are disposed in the first position and a closed position to cause the drive assembly to rotate the flange about the pivot in a second direction to move the jaw members to the second position; and wherein a distal end of the flexible jaw member is configured to engage the fixed jaw member prior to a proximal portion thereof upon movement of the jaw members to the second position such that the proximal portion is configured to flex toward the fixed jaw member when the distal end of the flexible jaw member contacts the fixed jaw member to grasp tissue between the jaw members.