A bipolar forceps for sealing and dividing tissue includes a housing having ashaft affixed thereto. The shaft includes first and second jaw membersattached to the distal end thereof which are movable relative to one anotherfrom a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue.At least one of the jaw members includes a knife channel disposedsubstantially along the length thereof. The knife channel has a depth, a widthand an aspect ratio which is defined as the depth of the knife channel dividedby the width of the knife channel. Preferably the aspect ratio of the knifechannel is at least 1.3. The forceps is connected to a source ofelectrosurgical energy and also includes an actuator for moving the jawmembers relative to one another. A knife assembly is included which allows auser to selectively move a knife to cut tissue disposed between the jawmembers.
