VESSEL SEALING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRICAL CUTTING MECHANISM

An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument, comprising: first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the first and second jaw members including an electrically-conductive surface extending along a length thereof, each electrically-conductive surface being adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically-conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween; a first insulative material configured to support the electrically-conductive surface of the first jaw member; a first electrically-conductive cutting element disposed within the first insulative material of the first jaw member; a second insulative material configured to support the electrically-conductive surface of the second jaw member; and a second electrically-conductive cutting element disposed within the second insulative material of the second jaw member, the second electrically-conductive cutting element generally opposing the first electrically-conductive cutting element, wherein the first and second electrically-conductive cutting elements are configured to abut one another in vertical registration when the first and second jaw members are moved to the second position.