Patent ID: 8361069

Claim:
An electrosurgical instrument, comprising: a first penetrating component, comprising a first set of needles, a second penetrating component comprising a second set of needles, a first connector connected to the first penetrating component, and a second connector connected to the second penetrating component; wherein each needle of the first and second penetrating components comprises; a body portion and a sealing surface; a hinge pivotally joining the body portions of the first penetrating component and the body portions of the second penetrating component, wherein each of the first and second set of needles extends from the respective first and second connector in substantial radial alignment with the hinge axis; the first and second connectors are adapted to connect to an electrical energy source such that the sealing surfaces are capable of conducting bipolar energy therebetween; and the first and second penetrating components are pivotable about the hinge from a first position wherein the first and second components are disposed in spaced opposing relation relative to one another, to a second position wherein the first and second penetrating components are closer to one another than in the first position.