#$%^&*AU2007214292B220130502.pdf#####VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS Abstract An electrode assembly (205) for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting 5 vessels and/or tissue is provided. The assembly (205) includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members (210, 220). Each jaw member (210, 220) includes at least one electrically conductive tissue sealing surfaces (212a, 212b, 222a, 222b) extending along a length thereof. Each tissue sealing surface is adapted to connect to a source (500) of electrosurgical energy to effect a tissue seal. An insulator (213, 223) is disposed adjacent 10 to the at least one the electrically conductive sealing surfaces (212a, 212b, 222a, 222b). The jaw members (210, 220) include an electrically conductive cutting element (227) which effectively cuts tissue within pre-defined cutting zone (228) between the jaw members (210, 220). The polarity of the cutting element and electrically conductive sealing surfaces (212a, 212b, 222a, 222b) may be manipulated depending upon whether is tissue sealing or tissue cutting is desired.2/5 "ca cnc Po1
