A portable, thermal cauterizing forceps device for use in surgery. The device incorporates a pair of ceramic heater elements mounted within the tips of the tines of a forceps. The forceps is used to grasp tissue or blood vessels and apply heat to effect cauterization. The forceps instrument can incorporate a battery and control electronics. The thermal-forceps is of a self-contained wireless, handheld disposable design. The forceps handpiece can be connected to an external power source. The forceps can incorporate a set of rapidly heating ceramic heater elements that may be composed of silicon nitride. An LED provides the operator feedback as to the operating level of the heaters and/or battery reserve. The forceps can include a rechargeable power supply, variable control of the heater temperature, as well as a, digital display of the tip temperature.