Abstract: A method of surgery utilizing an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members defining a grasping area therebetween and a tissue-treating area therebetween. Each of the first and second jaw members defines a knife channel positioned within the grasping area and outside of the tissue-treating area. The end effector assembly is positioned such that the knife channels are positioned adjacent tissue to be removed. Thereafter, the first and/or second jaw members are moved from a spaced-apart position to an approximated position to grasp tissue therebetween, the jaw members are energized for conducting energy through tissue disposed within the tissue-treating area to treat tissue disposed within the tissue-treating area, and a knife is advanced through the knife channels to cut tissue adjacent the tissue-treating area thereby separating tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members each jaw member defining an opposed surface. The jaw members are movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue within a grasping area. First and second tissue-treating plates are disposed on the jaw members and adapted to connect to a source of energy for treating tissue disposed within a tissue-treating. Each jaw member defines a knife channel positioned within the grasping area and outside of the tissue-treating area. A knife is selectively movable between a retracted position, wherein the knife is positioned proximally of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife extends at least partially through the knife channels of the jaw members to cut tissue positioned adjacent the tissue-treating area.