Patent ID: 7491201

Claim:
A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue, comprising: an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface affixed thereto, the jaw members being movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the electrically conductive sealing surfaces cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; each electrically conductive sealing surface adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy such that the electrically conductive sealing surfaces are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and a stop member assembly operatively associated with at least one jaw member, the stop member assembly including at least one non-conductive stop member, the at least one non-conductive stop member being selectively adjustable to regulate the distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces when tissue is held therebetween based upon a sensed pre-surgical condition during activation.