#$%^&*AU2008201504B220130912.pdf#####ABSTRACT ELECTROSURGICAL INSTRUMENT REDUCING CURRENT DENSITIES AT AN INSULATOR CONDUCTOR JUNCTION 5 An electrosurgical instrument (10) having opposing end effectors (22, 24) and a handle (16, 18) for effecting movement of the end effectors (22, 24) relative to one another, includes a pair of electrodes (110, 120) each including an electrically conductive surface (116) (e.g., which can be dimensioned for sealing, clamping and/or cutting), an insulating substrate (111) having a first edge, and an insulating layer (140) [0 positioned in a channel formed by the electrically conductive surface (116) within the first edge between the conductive surface (116) and the first edge of the insulating substrate (111). The insulating layer (140) has a portion proximal to the electrically conductive surface (116) and a portion distal from the electrically conductive surface (116) and a gradient such that the proximal portion has a lower dielectric strength than 15 the distal portion. A coating (137) on one of the pair of electrodes (110, 120) may be disposed in at least partial non-vertical registration with a coating (137) on the opposing one of the pair of electrodes (110, 120). 202114 cc N V3 co CIP) C") cqj D3 CV) CID to Cr3 % % ka co cc Q ko Z*-. Cm V% % CM IV% C'3 % 40 C.N % % N N % % % .0--- 4z CO ko CNI % QO % Clq % N to (30
