LAPAROSCOPIC BIPOLAR ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT

A laparoscopic bipolar electrosurgical instrument for sealing tissue includes a handle (14) having an elongated tube (13) affixed thereto and first (15) and second jaw (16) members. Each of the first and second jaw members include an electrically conductive sealing surface (39,40). The opposable sealing surfaces include a non-stick material for reducing tissue adhesion during the sealing process. The first and second jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the opposable sealing surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. In addition, a stop (90) is disposed on one of the opposable sealing surfaces for maintaining a minimum separation distance between the opposable sealing surfaces; a ratchet (60) is disposed on one of a fixed (50) and a movable (52) handle, and at least one complementary interlocking mechanical interface (62) is disposed on the other of the fixed and movable handles. The ratchet and the complementary interlocking mechanical interface provide at least one interlocking position to maintain a closure force in the range of about 3 kg/cm 2 to about 16 kg/cm 2 between opposable sealing surfaces.