Vessel sealing instrument with cutting mechanism

An end-effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument, the end-effector assembly comprising:

• opposing jaw members, at least one of the jaw members movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;
• an electrically-conductive surface disposed on each of the jaw members in spaced apart opposing registration relative to one another, each electrically-conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal;
• and
• elongated perforation strip disposed on each of the jaw members that extends inwardly from respective electrically-conductive surfaces, the elongated perforation strips on each respective jaw member configured to intermesh with one another upon closure of the jaw members against tissue and activation of the electrically conductive surfaces to effect a tissue seal.

A method of treating tissue, comprising:

• providing an electrosurgical instrument having an end-effector assembly including opposing jaw members, at least one of the jaw members including an elongated perforation strip that extends inwardly from an electrically-conductive surface thereof;
• positioning the jaw members in a first configuration wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;
• transmitting energy from an electrosurgical power generating source to at least one of the jaw members to activate the electrically-conductive surface thereof;
• positioning the jaw members in a second configuration wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another;
• and
• separating tissue along a perforated tissue line, where the perforated tissue line is formed by the elongated perforation strip when the jaw members are disposed in the first configuration.