Vessel sealing instrument with optimized power density

摘要

VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH OPTIMIZED POWER DENSITY An electrode assembly (105) for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting vessels and/or tissue is provided. The assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (110, 120). Each jaw member includes an insulator and at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extending along a length thereof, each tissue sealing surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to effect a seal. At least one electrically conductive cutting element (160) is disposed within the insulator (154) of the first jaw member and an insulative material is disposed upon the at least one electrically conductive sealing surface. AH2(7829381) PRW Lo LO* t~Q)