Model note · Electrosurgical Unit

Covidien Valleylab ForceTriad energy platform

The ForceTriad is a Valleylab generator that combines monopolar, bipolar and LigaSure vessel sealing in one unit, each output with its own touchscreen. Instant Response closed loop control measures tissue impedance and adjusts output to hold the set power. LigaSure seals vessels up to 7 mm, and the generator ends each seal cycle itself. A 2011 clearance added bipolar resection in saline. For engineers the main points are the REM contact quality monitor, which needs split return electrodes, the 25% duty cycle limit, and the activation log of the last 1000 activations and REM alerts.

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The model

Maker, model and type.

Maker: Covidien (formerly Valleylab), now Medtronic
Model: Valleylab ForceTriad energy platform (electrosurgical generator with LigaSure)
Device type: Electrosurgical Unit
Main document: Open the public document

Key specifications

What the public record says.

Item	Value	Source
FDA classification and clearances	Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device, 21 CFR 878.4400, product code GEI (also KNS); K051644 (2005), K070162 (2007), K102913 and K110268 (31 May 2011, bipolar resection)	Source
Modes	Monopolar cut (Pure, Blend), Valleylab mode, coag (Fulgurate, Spray); bipolar Low, Standard, Macrobipolar, autobipolar; LigaSure; bipolar resection with compatible resectoscopes in 0.9% saline	Source
Open circuit peak voltage	Pure cut 920 V, Blend 1485 V, Valleylab 2365 V, Fulgurate 3050 V, Spray 3625 V; bipolar 175 to 250 V; LigaSure 287.5 V	Source
Power readout accuracy	Within 15% or 5 W into rated load, whichever is greater	Source
REM limits	Alarm and output stops if contact resistance leaves 5 to 135 ohm or rises more than 40% above the baseline	Source
Duty cycle	25% (10 s on, 30 s off); no continuous activation longer than one minute	Source
LigaSure	Seals vessels up to and including 7 mm and tissue bundles that fit the jaws; not for tubal sterilisation	Source
Safety class and weight	Class I, type CF, defibrillator proof (ANSI/AAMI HF18, IEC 60601-2-2); 13.6 kg	Source
Memory	Keeps settings, calibration and statistics when off and unplugged; activation log of the last 1000 activations and REM alerts	Source

Recalls

Recalls.

This note lists no recalls. Check the FDA recall database for the latest record.

Safety

Safety warnings from the record.

Duty cycles above 25% raise heat under the return electrode enough to injure the patient; take extra care with ablation, vaporisation and conductive fluid procedures. Source
In Demo mode the REM alarm and the dual instrument alarm are off but RF power is still delivered; never leave a unit in Demo mode in theatre. Source
Keep the patient off grounded metal; if unavoidable, use the lowest power, place the return electrode close to the site and do not use metal needle monitoring electrodes. Source
Some instruments such as colonoscopes leak enough current to burn the surgeon; where a shunt cord is advised, use the Valleylab E0507-B adapter with a REM return electrode. Source

Sources

Where this note comes from.

Not covered: No FDA recall records were found under the ForceTriad name in openFDA; recalls may be filed under LigaSure instruments or other names. The User's Guide copy read is an early edition hosted by a reseller; later editions (v3.2x, v3.4x) exist. Maximum output power per mode is in the guide's table but its layout did not extract cleanly, so only open circuit voltages are given. Numbered system alarm codes are in the Service Manual, which is not public.

BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.

Electrosurgical Unit