Apparatus, System, and Method for Performing an Endoscopic Electrosurgical Procedure

A bipolar forceps, comprising:

• a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis therethrough and having an end effector assembly at a distal end thereof the end effector assembly having a moveable flexible jaw member and an inflexible jaw member, the flexible jaw member having a flange extending therefrom operably coupled to the inflexible jaw member about a pivot, each of the flexible jaw member and the inflexible jaw member adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that electrical energy can be conducted through tissue to effect a seal;
• a drive assembly operably coupled to the flange and configured to rotate the flange about the pivot to move the flexible jaw member relative to the inflexible jaw member from a first position wherein the flexible jaw member is disposed in spaced relation relative to the inflexible jaw member and a second position wherein the flexible jaw member is closer to the inflexible jaw member;
• and
• a handle operably coupled to the drive assembly and movable between an open position to cause distal movement of the drive assembly which rotates the flange in a first direction about the pivot to move the jaw members to the first position and a closed position to cause proximal movement of the drive assembly which rotates the flange in a second direction about the pivot to move the jaw members to the second position to maintain a predetermined closure force therebetween, wherein the handle is configured, when in the closed position, to generate additional torque about the pivot to impart a load on the drive assembly to vary the predetermined closure force between the jaw members.