Abstract: The instrument is used in laparoscopic tubal cauterization whereby a fallopian tube is completely blocked by coagulation and comprises: an elongated narrow sheath; an electrically insulated separator means slidably mounted in the sheath; and a pair of bipolar electrodes secured in diametrically opposite grooves extending longitudinally of the sheath. Each electrode defines at one end thereof a prong extending outwardly from one end of the sheath; the prongs are spaced from one another to define a first tube-receiving position whereby a tube may be received therebetween; the prongs may be moved to a second tube-squeezing position by slidably retracting the separator means in the sheath. The opposite end of each electrode is adapted for electrical connection to an external source of cauterizing current.

Abstract: An instrument for laparoscopic tubal cauterization includes: a grip member, a probe element attached to the grip member and a pair of electrodes carried by the probe element in such spaced relationship to one another as to avoid electrical short therebetween, the electrodes defining at one extremity a pair of tube-grasping portions. Means are provided on the grip member for electrically connecting the electrodes to an external power source and for allowing a current discharge between the tube-grasping portions of the electrodes whereby the tube grasped is cauterized.