Patent ID: 11896280

Abstract:
An end effector is disclosed comprising an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm pivotable relative to the ultrasonic blade to capture tissue therebetween. The clamp arm defines an arcuate surface configured to at least partially surround the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm comprises a circuit positioned on the arcuate surface. The circuit comprises an electrode layer configured to transmit RF energy to the tissue positioned between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade, a compressible layer positioned between the electrode layer and the arcuate surface, first pressure sensor layer positioned beneath the compressible layer between the compressible layer and the arcuate surface, and a second pressure sensor layer positioned above the compressible layer. The compressible layer is compressible to allow the electrode layer to deflect away from the ultrasonic blade. The compressible layer is compressible to allow the second pressure sensor layer to deflect away from the ultrasonic blade.