Electrical cutting and vessel sealing jaw members

A method of manufacturing an end effector assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a pair of opposing first and second jaw members, at least one of the first and second jaw members moveable relative to the other from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue, each of the first and second jaw members including a tissue contacting plate disposed thereon having a longitudinal channel defined therealong, the longitudinal channels being disposed in substantial vertical registration relative to one another, respectively;
• providing a first electrically conductive cutting plate disposed on at least the first jaw member adapted to connect to a first potential of an electrosurgical energy source;
• stamping the first electrically conductive cutting plate to define a cutting element;
• bending the cutting element about a bending region such that the cutting element extends along the first electrically conductive cutting plate and into the longitudinal channel of at least the first jaw member;
• and
• applying an insulative material to a portion of the first electrically conductive cutting plate.