An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and/or cutting tissue includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to the other 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. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart, electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces extending along a length thereof adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy. An insulator is disposed between each pair of electrically conductive sealing surfaces. The insulator of the first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed in general vertical registration relative to the insulator on the second jaw member. A tissue tensioning mechanism is included to provide tension to tissue held between jaw members. A rigid structural support is disposed within the insulator of the first jaw member. The rigid structural support includes a flow channel therein.
