ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT EMPLOYING AN ELECTRODE

摘要

An electrosurgical surgical instrument that includes an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed in order to capture tissue therebetween. In various embodiments, the first and second jaws can comprise one or more electrodes configured to apply a voltage across the tissue, wherein at least one of the electrodes can comprise i) a conductive material positioned within a non-conductive, or high- resistance, material or ii) a pressure sensitive conductive material, or iii) a plurality of electrodes may each comprise of a positive temperature coefficient material having a different switching temperature or iv) electrodes can be independently and/or sequentially operated. During and/or after energizing the electrodes, a cutting member can be advanced to cut the tissue.