A radio frequency-based surgical implant fixation apparatus, comprising: a housing having a shaft operably coupled thereto and defining a longitudinal axis therethrough, the housing adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy and an approximator assembly having an elongated rod coaxially coupled to the shaft and configured to reciprocate therethrough from a retracted position to an extended position, the elongated rod including a plurality of delivery arms operably coupled to a distal end thereof, the plurality of delivery arms configured to releasably receive a portion of a surgical implant and connect to the energy source to selectively transmit electrosurgical energy to the portion of the surgical implant to fuse the portion of the surgical implant to tissue upon actuation thereof, wherein at least one aperture is defined in the plurality of delivery arms, the at least one aperture being in fluid communication with a suction source configured to evacuate air from between the surgical implant and tissue to facilitate positioning the surgical implant thereagainst in a substantially taut configuration.
