Patent ID: 8591510

Claim:
An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing and cutting tissue, the end effector assembly comprising: a pair of opposing first and second jaw members at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; each jaw member including a jaw housing and an electrically conductive surface, the electrically conductive surfaces being disposed in spaced apart opposing registration relative to one another, each electrically conductive surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal; and at least one adhesive strip to facilitate separation of tissue, the at least one adhesive strip disposed along a length of at least one electrically conductive surface, wherein, after electrical activation of the electrically conductive surfaces to effect the tissue seal, the at least one adhesive strip is configured to retain a portion of the tissue seal to essentially tear the portion of the tissue seal away from remaining tissue when the tissue is removed from between the jaw members.