A surgical instrument for forming an end-to-end anastomosis includes first and second handles each supporting a shaft at a distal end thereof. The proximal ends of each shaft are coupled about a pivot such that movement of the handles correspondingly moves the distal ends of each shaft. A release mechanism is included that is actuatable to pivot a pair of bifurcated legs of each shaft between a first position for receiving first and second vessels and a second position that facilitate release of the respective first and second vessels. First and second posts are supported on each distal end and are configured to support an end of the respective first and second vessels thereon. The posts are adapted to connect to an electrical generator for communicating energy through each end of each respective first and second vessel to form an anastomotic seal.
