A surgical system for sealing and severing tissue, the system comprising: a generator configured to output radiofrequency, RF, energy, including delivering a first RF power signal during a seal cycle, and delivering a second RF power signal during a cut cycle; and a surgical device electrically coupled to the generator output, the device comprising an elongate shaft ; an end effector coupled to a distal end portion of the elongate shaft , wherein the elongate shaft defines a longitudinal axis , and wherein the end effector comprises first and second jaws configured to approximate each other in a closed position for compressing tissue extending therebetween, the first and second jaws having respective opposing conductive seal surface electrodes configured for sealing spaced apart first and second portions of the compressed tissue when the first RF power signal is conducted through a circuit including the respective seal surface electrodes during a seal cycle; and a cut electrode disposed within an interior region of the first jaw , wherein the cut electrode is aligned with the longitudinal axis and has an elongate conductive edge with a convex cross-section profile taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis , the cut electrode having a height profile greater than the seal surface electrodes of the first jaw , and wherein when the first and second jaws are in the closed position compressing the tissue, the elongate conductive edge of the cut electrode presses against a third portion of the tissue located between the spaced apart first and second portions , wherein the cut electrode is configured to sever the third portion of the tissue when the second RF power signal is conducted through a circuit including the cut electrode and a respective one of the seal surface electrodes during a cut cycle. a generator configured to output radiofrequency, RF, energy, including delivering a first RF power signal during a seal cycle, and delivering a second RF power signal during a cut cycle; and a surgical device electrically coupled to the generator output, the device comprising an elongate shaft ; an end effector coupled to a distal end portion of the elongate shaft , wherein the elongate shaft defines a longitudinal axis , and wherein the end effector comprises first and second jaws configured to approximate each other in a closed position for compressing tissue extending therebetween, the first and second jaws having respective opposing conductive seal surface electrodes configured for sealing spaced apart first and second portions of the compressed tissue when the first RF power signal is conducted through a circuit including the respective seal surface electrodes during a seal cycle; and a cut electrode disposed within an interior region of the first jaw , wherein the cut electrode is aligned with the longitudinal axis and has an elongate conductive edge with a convex cross-section profile taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis , the cut electrode having a height profile greater than the seal surface electrodes of the first jaw , and wherein when the first and second jaws are in the closed position compressing the tissue, the elongate conductive edge of the cut electrode presses against a third portion of the tissue located between the spaced apart first and second portions , wherein the cut electrode is configured to sever the third portion of the tissue when the second RF power signal is conducted through a circuit including the cut electrode and a respective one of the seal surface electrodes during a cut cycle. <EOS>