An electrosurgical instrument having first and second tissue grasping jaws positioned at a distal end of an elongated shaft extending from a hand piece. The instrument further comprises: a jaw actuating handle 22 moveable between first and second positions to cause respective movement of the jaws between open and closed positions a latch mechanism 4801,4802 engageable to maintain a predetermined closure force between the jaws when they are in their closed position a latch release mechanism to disengage the latch mechanism a knife blade moveable between a retracted and an advanced position relative to the jaws and a knife actuating handle or trigger 24 moveable between first and second positions to respectively move the knife between its retracted and advanced positions where movement of the knife actuating handle 24 operates the latch release mechanism to disengage the latch mechanism 4801,4802. Movement of the knife actuating handle 24 to its second position may operate the latch release mechanism. Movement of the knife actuating handle 24 beyond its second position may operate the latch release mechanism. Allows tissue grasped between its closed jaws to be sealed then cut and have the jaws open automatically when the cutting procedure has been completed.
