Abstract: An instrument for cauterizing blood vessels while performing an endoscopic procedure includes a rigid outer tube with a proximal end, a distal end and an inner, semi-rigid, tube passing through the outer tube from its proximal end to its distal end. The inner tube has at least one lumen allowing passage of a pair of conductive leads therethrough. The leads terminate at the distal end of the tube in a pair of forceps jaws. The leads are mechanically connected to a scissors-style handle and are electrically connected to an RF generator. The outside diameter of the outer tubular body is sufficiently small that it can readily pass through the working lumen of an endoscope. Associated with the handle is a knob for rotating the inner tube and the conductive leads. The handle also contains a means for effecting translational motion of the inner tube within the outer tube and over the forceps and a means for introducing a preset gap to prevent complete closure of the forceps' jaws.