Asymmetrical Electrodes for Bipolar Vessel Sealing

An electrosurgical instrument, comprising:

• a pair of opposing jaw members at a distal end of the electrosurgical instrument, wherein each jaw member includes an outer housing, and an inner tissue engaging surface corresponding to the inner tissue engaging surface of the opposing jaw;
• at least one jaw member being movable relative to the other jaw member 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;
• a first electrode disposed on an inner tissue engaging surface and disposed adjacent to a first edge of the inner tissue engaging surface;
• and
• a second electrode disposed on an inner tissue engaging surface and disposed adjacent to a second edge of the inner tissue engaging surface, wherein the width of the first electrode is greater than the width of the second electrode.

A method of treating a vessel, comprising the steps of:

• providing an instrument having a first opposing jaw member and a second opposing jaw member, wherein each opposing jaw member includes a first opposing contact region and a second opposing contact region, the first opposing contact region having a surface area greater than the surface area of the second opposing contact region;
• positioning the vessel between the jaws, wherein the first opposing contact regions are disposed over a first portion of the vessel and the second opposing contact regions are disposed over a second portion of the vessel
• closing the jaws to grasp the vessel therebetween;
• applying electrosurgical energy to the vessel via the first electrode and the second electrode to effect a seal in the first portion of the vessel and to effect hemostasis in the second portion of the vessel.