Patent ID: 8469956

Claim:
A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue, comprising: an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members each having a proximal end and a distal end and being movable relative to one another to grasp tissue therebetween; a first electrically conductive surface having at least two conductive sealing plates and a dielectric layer operably coupled to the first jaw member and forming an inner-facing surface thereof, each of the at least two conductive sealing plates connected to at least one reactive element, the at least two conductive sealing plates including a first sealing plate and a second sealing plate, the first sealing plate being positioned along the first electrically conductive surface proximal to the second sealing plate, the at least one reactive element connected to the first sealing plate having a different impedance than the at least one reactive element connected to the second sealing plate; and a second electrically conductive surface having at least one conductive sealing plate operably coupled to the second jaw member and forming an inner-facing surface thereof, wherein each of the first and second electrically conductive surfaces is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy, wherein a first impedance to tissue is formed by the reactive element of the first sealing plate and a second impedance to tissue is formed by the reactive element of the second sealing plate, wherein the first impedance is greater than the second impedance thereby driving more current through the distal end of the first electrically conductive surface, such that the first and second electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal.