Methods of electrosurgical instruments with otomy feature for teleoperated medical systems

A method for performing electrosurgery comprising:

• applying energy to an electrode on a jaw of an instrument, the electrode comprising a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion;
• translating a cutting element through a first channel between the first and second electrode portions;
• translating an otomy electrode through a second channel in the jaw such that at least a distal portion of the otomy electrode extends distal to the jaw, wherein the second channel is spaced from the first channel;
• applying energy to the otomy electrode;
• and
• contacting tissue with the otomy electrode to perforate the tissue.

An electrosurgical instrument comprising:

• a shaft comprising an end effector with a first jaw and a second jaw;
• an electrode on the second jaw comprising a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion;
• a first channel extending through the second jaw;
• a second channel extending through the second jaw between the first and second electrode portions of the electrode, the second channel positioned between the first channel and the first jaw, wherein the second channel is spaced from the first channel;
• and
• an otomy electrode extending through the second jaw and configured for translation through the first channel between a first position, wherein a distal portion of the otomy electrode is positioned within the first channel, and a second position, wherein the distal portion of the otomy electrode extends distal to a distal end of the second jaw.