Method of constructing a jaw member for an end effector assembly
An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a pair of opposing jaw members. One or more of the jaw members includes a support base, an electrical jaw lead, and a sealing plate coupled to the electrical jaw lead. The sealing plate has a stainless steel layer and one or more piezo electric sensors. The jaw member also includes an insulative plate disposed between the support base and the sealing plate.
1. A method of constructing a jaw member for an end effector assembly, the method comprising:
assembling an insulative plate by:
adhering a conductive layer to a plastic substrate;
applying a conductive layer mask to the conductive layer such that the conductive layer mask exposes a portion of the conductive layer and outlines a circuit trace and a contact;
etching the exposed portion of the conductive layer; and
removing the conductive layer mask;
attaching the insulative plate to a support base of a jaw member;
aligning a sealing plate having a hole defined therein such that the hole overlays the contact of the insulative plate; and
coupling a sensor to the contact of the insulative plate.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein coupling the sensor to the contact of the insulative plate includes disposing the sensor in the hole of the sealing plate.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein coupling the sensor to the contact of the insulative plate includes raising the sensor relative to the sealing plate such that the sensor is configured to create a gap between a sealing plate of an opposed jaw member and the sealing plate.