Abstract: A bipolar instrument for use by a surgeon to seal tissue with bipolar electrosurgery. The bipolar instrument is a modified hemostat including two elongate members. Each elongate member has a proximal end to be held by a surgeon and a distal end. The elongate members substantially defining a plane and are electrically conductive for transmitting high frequency electrosurgery. A pivot transverse to the plane connects the two elongate members for scissors-like motion between the distal ends. A first tissue contacting pole integral with one elongate member and positioned at its distal end is electrically conductive for transmitting high frequency electrosurgery. Latching elements extend from each elongate member for cooperative interengagement with opposed ramps and abutting stops for sliding conjugation to hold the first and second tissue contacting poles with a predetermined force.