An end effector assembly for an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of first and second jaw members including respective seal plates having a width. Each of the seal plates adapted to connect to an energy source. The first and second jaw members are operable in a first mode of operation for treating tissue and a second mode of operation for separating tissue. The width of the seal plate of the first jaw member is smaller than the width of the seal plate of the second jaw member. In the second mode of operation the seal plate of the first jaw member is independently activatable from the seal plate of the second jaw member to facilitate the separation of tissue when the first and second jaw members are in one of the open and clamping positions.
