Electrosurgical instrument and electrosurgical apparatus

An electrosurgical instrument for sealing or cutting tissue, comprising:

• an instrument shaft comprising a transmission line for conveying microwave electromagnetic energy or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy;
• a first jaw attached to the instrument shaft and including a first surface as well as a distal end face,
• a second jaw attached to the instrument shaft and including a second surface,
• a first electrode for emitting microwave electromagnetic energy or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy, and
• a second electrode for emitting microwave electromagnetic energy or radiofrequency electromagnetic energy, and
• a first isolating portion electrically isolating the first electrode from the second electrode,
• 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 tissue therebetween,
• wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are exposed on the first surface and on the distal end face, and
• wherein, in the closed position, the second jaw covers the exposed first or second electrodes on the first surface and the distal end face.