To develop a surgical handheld device that can be used to promote polymer-tissue or tissue-tissue adhesion, we designed a polymeric clamp material (PCM) that self-heats as a result of vibration. By using the PCM, heat can be applied to the target biomaterial and the tissue simultaneously. The optimal temperature is high enough to promote adhesion but low enough to retain the native tissue's integrity. Furthermore, the PCM should not adhere to the target polymer or the native tissue. We found that the temperatures of fluorinated polymers, such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), increased within 60 s to 150 degrees C and maintained a stable temperature thereafter. The heat that was transferred to the saucer attached to the potential PCM was slightly above 100 degrees C, a temperature that promotes adhesion but does not damage the native tissue. No deformation or melting was observed during the experiment, indicating that PTFE or PFA possess desirable PCM characteristics for use as a surgical heating device. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2532-2537, 2013