| abstract |
A bipolar surgical device (200) comprises a pair of actual jaws (262, 214). A first electrode member (202) which optionally includes a line of electrically coupled tissue-penetrating members (206) is formed on one of the jaws, and a second electrode member (204) which optionally includes a line of electrically coupled tissue-penetrating elements (208) is formed on the same or the other jaw. The electrode members are laterally spaced apart, and arranged in a parallel, usually linear manner so that the lateral distance therebetween remains generally constant. In operation, tissue may be grasped between the jaws so that the electrode members contact, and/or the tissue-penetrating elements enter into the tissue. By energizing the electrode members at opposite polarities using a high frequency energy source, tissue between the jaws will be heated, coagulated, and/or necrosed, while heating of tissue outside of lines will be minimized. |