Electrosurgical instrument

An electrosurgical instrument end effector includes an active electrode received by an insulating material, the active electrode including a primary suction aperture which provides access to a primary fluid channel extending from the active electrode, through the insulating material, to a lumen. The lumen is arranged to carry fluid to and from a surgical site when in use. The end effector further includes at least one additional fluid channel providing alternative access to the primary fluid channel from the active electrode, wherein the at least one additional fluid channel bypasses the primary suction aperture.