Electrosurgical instrument and electrosurgical apparatus

An electrosurgical instrument for sealing and/or cutting tissue, comprising:

• an instrument shaft comprising a transmission line for conveying microwave and/or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy;
• a first jaw attached to the instrument shaft and including a first surface,
• a second jaw attached to the instrument shaft and including a second surface,
• a first electrode for emitting microwave and radiofrequency energy,
• a second electrode for emitting microwave and/or radiofrequency energy, and
• a third electrode for emitting microwave and/or radiofrequency energy,
• a first isolating portion electrically isolating the first electrode from the second electrode, and
• a second isolating portion which is arranged on the second jaw,
• wherein the first jaw and the second jaw can be moved between an open position, in which the tissue can be inserted between the first surface and the second surface, and a closed position, in which the first and second surfaces are brought together to clamp the tissue therebetween,
• wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on the first jaw,
• wherein the first electrode protrudes from the first isolating portion,
• wherein the third electrode is arranged on the second jaw,
• wherein the second electrode and the third electrode are arranged on opposing sides of the first electrode in the closed position and are electrically connected to each other, and
• wherein the second isolating portion protrudes more from the third electrode at a distal end of the second surface compared to a proximal end of the second surface.