Non-linear jaw gap for electrosurgical instruments

An end effector for an electrosurgical instrument, comprising:

• an upper jaw comprising a first energy delivery surface, a first distal end, and a first proximal end;
• a lower jaw comprising a second energy delivery surface, a second distal end, and a second proximal end, wherein
• the upper and lower jaws are pivotally coupled at the first and second proximal ends, such that at least one of the upper and lower jaws is configured for pivotal movement between a closed position where the first and second distal ends are in proximity and the first and second energy delivery surfaces face each other, and an open position where the first and second distal ends are separated apart,
• the first energy delivery surface comprises a first angled portion extending to the first distal end, the first angled portion tilted at a first angle,
• the second energy delivery surface comprises a second angled portion extending to the second distal end, the second angled portion tilted at a second angle;
• and
• an electrically conductive member protruding from the upper jaw or lower jaw and configured to contact a conductive surface of the other one of the upper jaw or lower jaw in the closed position, wherein the electrically conductive member is in proximity to the first and second distal ends in the closed position, and wherein the electrically conductive member defines a minimum gap distance between the first energy delivery surface and the second energy delivery surface in the closed position.