Clamp arm comprising a circuit

A surgical system, comprising:

• an ultrasonic waveguide;
• an ultrasonic blade extending from the ultrasonic waveguide;
• and
• a clamp arm rotatable relative to the ultrasonic blade to capture tissue therebetween, wherein the clamp arm defines a curved surface configured to curve at least partially around a perimeter of the ultrasonic blade, wherein the clamp arm comprises a flex circuit positioned on the curved surface, and wherein the flex 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 curved surface, wherein the compressible layer is compressible to allow the electrode layer to move away from the ultrasonic blade;
• a first pressure sensor layer positioned beneath the compressible layer between the compressible layer and the curved surface;
• and
• a second pressure sensor layer positioned above the compressible layer, wherein the compressible layer is compressible to allow the second pressure sensor layer to move away from the ultrasonic blade.

An end effector, comprising:

• an ultrasonic blade operably coupled to a first pole of an RF energy source;
• and
• a clamp arm movable relative to the ultrasonic blade to capture tissue therebetween, wherein the clamp arm defines a bowed surface configured to extend at least partially around a perimeter of the ultrasonic blade, and wherein the clamp arm comprises a flex circuit assembly, comprising:
• a first flex circuit positioned on a first lateral side of the bowed surface, wherein the first flex circuit comprises:
• a first electrode layer configured to transmit RF energy to the tissue positioned between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade, wherein the first electrode layer is operably coupled a second pole of the RF energy source, and wherein the second pole is opposite of the first pole;
• a first compressible layer positioned between the first electrode layer and the bowed surface, wherein the first compressible layer is compressible to allow the first electrode layer to deflect away from the ultrasonic blade;
• a first pressure sensor layer positioned beneath the first compressible layer between the first compressible layer and the bowed surface;
• and
• a second pressure sensor layer positioned above the first compressible layer, wherein the first compressible layer is compressible to allow the second pressure sensor layer to deflect away from the ultrasonic blade;
• a second flex circuit positioned on a second lateral side of the bowed surface, wherein the second flex circuit comprises:
• a second electrode layer configured to transmit RF energy to the tissue positioned between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade, wherein the second electrode layer is operably coupled the second pole of the RF energy source;
• a second compressible layer positioned between the second electrode layer and the bowed surface, wherein the second compressible layer is compressible to allow the second electrode layer to deflect away from the ultrasonic blade;
• a third pressure sensor layer positioned beneath the second compressible layer between the second compressible layer and the bowed surface;
• and
• a fourth pressure sensor layer positioned above the second compressible layer, wherein the second compressible layer is compressible to allow the fourth pressure sensor layer to deflect away from the ultrasonic blade.