Vessel sealing instrument

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for use in open surgery, comprising:

• first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of said jaw members including a channel extending from a proximal end of the jaw member to the distal end of the jaw member;
• a source of electrosurgical energy having first and second electrical potentials, the first electrical potential being connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential being connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal;
• a distal connector disposed between the jaw members for electrically isolating said first and second electrical potentials, said distal connector including a donut-like mechanical interface which mechanically engages a distal end of said first electrical potential;
• and
• a knife disposed within each of said channels between the first and second jaw members, said knife being selectively translatable within each of said channels from a first position proximal to tissue grasped between said jaw members to a distal position to sever tissue held between said jaw members.