A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an end effector assembly having opposing first and second jaw members. 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. A pivot mechanism is operably connected to the jaw members and configured to allow selective movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position. The pivot mechanism is configured to promote substantially parallel movement of the jaw members through a range of motion between the first position and the second position.
