Vessel sealing instrument

VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT A bipolar electrosurgical instrument (100) comprises a first jaw member (110) extending from a distal end of a first shaft (12a) and a second jaw member (120) extending from a distal end of a second shaft (12b). A pivot member (150) is disposed on the first jaw member (110). The jaw members (110, 120) are movable about the pivot member (120) between a first position and a second position. A longitudinal channel (130) extends through the pivot member (120) and is configured to receive a cutting element therethrough. A wire guide slot (152) is defined in the firstjaw member (110) and is disposed in spaced relation to the pivot member (150). A raceway (170) is defined in one of the first or second jaw members (110, 120) proximal to the pivot member (150). An electrosurgical cable (210) includes a first conductive lead (210a) adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and a second conductive lead (2 1Ob) adapted to connect to a second electrical potential. At least one of the first or second conductive leads (210a, 210b) is routed through the raceway (170) and the wire guide slot (152) to connect to the first jaw member (110).