Patent attributes
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument with opposing first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between open and closed positions. The first and second jaw member include, respectively, a cutting electrode and at least a first sealing electrode separated therefrom by an insulating member, and at least a second sealing electrode. The generator includes an energy source for producing at least a cutting RF waveform, first, second and third output connections connected to the cutting electrode, first sealing electrode and second sealing electrode, respectively, and a switching circuit rapidly alternating between a first condition to direct the cutting RF waveform between the first and second output connections and hence the cutting and first sealing electrodes, and a second condition to direct the cutting RF waveform between the first and third output connections, and hence the cutting and second sealing electrodes.