Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending knife channel defined therethrough. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a knife actuator and a knife assembly operably coupled to the knife actuator. The knife actuator is configured to advance at least a portion of the knife assembly through the knife channel to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members. The knife assembly includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion coupled to the knife actuator and a distal portion defining at least one aperture therethrough. The knife assembly also includes a knife blade having a sharpened distal end configured to cut tissue and at least one raised portion extending through the aperture defined by the elongated shaft.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending knife channel. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a knife actuator and a knife assembly operably coupled to the knife actuator. The knife actuator is configured to advance at least a portion of the knife assembly through the knife channel to cut tissue. The knife assembly includes an elongated tube defining a longitudinal lumen and an elongated shaft having a proximal portion coupled to the knife actuator and a distal portion configured to be received at least partially within the longitudinal lumen. The knife assembly also includes a knife blade having a pair of opposing lateral sides and a sharpened distal end configured to cut tissue. The elongated tube is configured to be coupled to one of the pair of opposing lateral sides of the knife blade.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including an outer jaw housing, a tissue-treating plate, and a longitudinally-extending knife channel. The electrosurgical instrument also includes a knife actuator and a knife assembly operably coupled to the knife actuator. The knife assembly includes an elongated tube defining a longitudinal lumen and an elongated shaft having a proximal portion coupled to the knife actuator and a distal portion configured to be received through the longitudinal lumen. The distal portion of the elongated shaft includes an enlarged distal end portion configured to prevent movement of the elongated shaft relative to the elongated tube. The knife assembly also includes a knife blade having a pair of opposing lateral sides and a sharpened distal end configured to cut tissue. The elongated tube is configured to be coupled to one of the pair of opposing lateral sides of the knife blade.