A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members having a proximal end and a distal end. The jaw members are moveable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position in which the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrode having an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface. An electrical energy source may be connected to the tissue sealing surfaces so that the sealing surfaces can conduct energy to tissue. Each electrode may be pivotably connected on a distal end to the respective jaw member to promote parallel closure of the sealing surfaces against tissue between the jaw members. Each electrode may be connected to its respective jaw member on a proximal end via a resilient member to bias the electrode against tissue disposed between the jaw members.
