| abstract |
Methods and apparatus are provided for welding or sealing vessels or organs by collapsing a vessel with a jaw-like structure, applying an RF current between first, and second bipolar electrodes (50A, 50B), and directing path of the RF current using a channeling electrode (55A, 55B) disposed intermediate the first and second bipolar electrodes. The jaw structure may be configured to progressively collapse the selection of tissue to may squeeze fluids out of the lumen of the vessel. In addition, or alternatively, the jaw structure may be configured to elongated the collapsed section if vessel to alter its impedance characteristics prior to application of RF energy. The device also may include one or more sensors providing signals to a power controller that modulates application of RF energy to the vessel. |