Model note · Electrosurgical Unit
Covidien Valleylab FT10 FT Series energy platform
The Valleylab FT10 is Medtronic's combined electrosurgical generator and LigaSure vessel sealing platform used in operating theatres for monopolar cutting and coagulation, bipolar work and LigaSure sealing from a single unit. It uses TissueFect sensing, which monitors tissue impedance 434,000 times a second and adjusts output, recognises connected instruments automatically and is upgraded by software through Medtronic's Valleylab Exchange.
The model
Maker, model and type.
- Maker
- Covidien LLC (Medtronic)
- Model
- Valleylab FT10 FT Series energy platform (VLFT10GEN), software 4.0.x
- Device type
- Electrosurgical Unit
- Main document
- Open the public document
Key specifications
What the public record says.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Receptacles | 1 standard monopolar with universal foot pedal port, 1 advanced monopolar, 1 bipolar and 1 LigaSure/bipolar | Source |
| Bipolar modes | Precise, standard and macro | Source |
| Monopolar cut output | PURE 300 W into 300 ohm; BLEND 200 W; VALLEYLAB 200 W | Source |
| Monopolar coag output | FULGURATE and SHARED 120 W into 500 ohm | Source |
| Duty cycle | 25 percent (10 s on, 30 s off) in any mode for 4 hours | Source |
| Display | 17.8 cm (7.0 inch) LCD touchscreen | Source |
| Size and weight | 17.8 x 36.8 x 46.2 cm; 10.1 kg; magnesium enclosure; Linux operating system | Source |
| Input power | 100 to 127 or 220 to 240 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz, 950 VA maximum; mains fuses 10 A or 6.3 A fast blow | Source |
| Return electrode monitoring (REM) | Interrogation 64 to 76 kHz, under 100 uA; contact resistance sense range 5 to 135 ohm | Source |
| Leakage limits | Touch current under 100 uA NC; earth leakage under 500 uA NC; patient leakage under 10 uA NC | Source |
| Instrument recognition | 13.56 MHz RFID with integral loop antenna | Source |
| Operating environment | 10 to 40 C, 15 to 85 percent RH non condensing, 700 to 1060 mbar | Source |
Recalls
Known FDA recalls.
- Z-0631-20242023-11-16
Software issue could show errors on new LigaSure devices and stop the platform being used; fixed by software 4.0.4 (Medtronic FA1383).
FDA record
Safety
Safety warnings from the record.
- Self activation and wrong mode delivery have been reported; any unexpected output means removing the unit from service for evaluation. Source
- Surgical fires at the handpiece end have been reported, sometimes with damaged leads and receptacles. Source
- Until software is updated, valid LigaSure devices may be rejected, delaying treatment. Source
- Reprocessed LigaSure instruments sold for use with FT10 have their own recalls (packaging seals, residual material); check third party reprocessed devices separately. Source
Sources
Where this note comes from.
- Medtronic Valleylab FT10 specification guide (software 4.0.x)
- Medtronic Valleylab FT10 product page
- Medtronic Urgent Field Safety Notice FA1383, FT10 software update (Swissmedic)
- openFDA recall records, FT10
- openFDA MAUDE problem counts, FT10
- openFDA MAUDE narratives, FT10 self activation
Not covered: The FT10 user's and service guides are not openly published by Medtronic, so only the two error codes named in the field safety notice are included; the full E-code table, bipolar and LigaSure output curves and service test procedures were not reviewed.
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
Other models of this device.
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