The Covidien Valleylab ForceTriad Electrosurgical Unit is a premier, full-featured energy platform that redefined the standard of care in the operating room. By integrating monopolar electrosurgery, bipolar coagulation, and advanced LigaSure™ vessel sealing into a single, compact system, the ForceTriad™ simplifies surgical workflows and reduces the need for multiple independent generators.
Engineered for both open and laparoscopic procedures, this versatile unit is designed to provide surgeons with precise energy delivery and improved clinical outcomes. Whether performing delicate dissections or sealing large vascular bundles, the ForceTriad ensures consistent performance through intelligent tissue-sensing technology.
Core Technology: TissueFect™ and LigaSure™
The ForceTriad™ is powered by proprietary TissueFect™ sensing technology, which monitors changes in tissue impedance at a rate of 4,300 times per second. This real-time feedback loop allows the system to adjust energy output automatically, ensuring that the minimum amount of power required is delivered to achieve the desired effect.
Additionally, the platform features LigaSure™ fusion technology, which uses the body’s own collagen and elastin to create a permanent, autogenous seal. Unlike traditional bipolar units, LigaSure™ is capable of sealing vessels up to and including 7 mm in diameter with high burst strength and minimal thermal spread.
Mechanism of Action
The ForceTriad system operates through three primary energy modalities:
-
Monopolar & Bipolar Electrosurgery: Delivers traditional RF energy for cutting and coagulation. The Valleylab™ mode provides a unique combination of hemostasis and dissection, allowing for a cleaner surgical field with less smoke.
-
Tissue Response: The TissueFect™ algorithm senses the varying thickness and resistance of the tissue within the instrument jaws and adjusts the voltage accordingly to maintain a constant surgical effect.
-
Vessel Sealing: During a LigaSure™ cycle, the unit applies high pressure and optimized energy to denature tissue proteins. The system provides an audible “seal cycle complete” tone, indicating that the vessel has been permanently fused.
Clinical Applications and Uses
The multi-function integration of the ForceTriad makes it an essential tool for various surgical specialties:
-
General Surgery: Ideal for cholecystectomies, appendectomies, and bowel resections.
-
Gynecology: Used extensively for hysterectomies and salpingo-oophorectomies.
-
Urology: Effective for prostatectomies and nephrectomies.
-
Orthopedics & Thoracic: Provides reliable hemostasis in high-vascularity environments.
Key Advantages
-
All-in-One Versatility: Eliminates the need for separate electrosurgical and vessel-sealing generators, saving valuable space in the OR.
-
Enhanced Safety: Real-time impedance monitoring reduces the risk of lateral thermal damage to surrounding vital structures.
-
Future-Proof Design: The Valleylab™ Exchange System allows for remote software upgrades, ensuring the unit stays current with the latest surgical algorithms.
-
Proven Reliability: LigaSure™ technology provides a 95% reduction in blood loss compared to traditional methods and significantly reduces operative time.
-
Warranty Protection: Backed by a 30-day warranty, providing peace of mind and financial security for your facility.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Energy Delivery | Monopolar, Bipolar, and LigaSure™ |
| Sensing Technology | TissueFect™ (4,300 scans per second) |
| Vessel Sealing Capacity | Up to and including 7 mm |
| Software Management | Valleylab™ Exchange (Remote Upgrades) |
| Display Interface | Three independent touchscreens |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most Valleylab™ and LigaSure™ instruments |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ForceTriad improve upon conventional electrosurgical units?
Unlike conventional units that only provide standard cutting and coagulation, the ForceTriad integrates advanced LigaSure™ vessel sealing and TissueFect™ sensing technology. This multi-function capability allows for a more streamlined OR setup, faster procedure times, and significantly more reliable sealing of large vessels up to 7 mm.
What is TissueFect™ technology and why is it important?
TissueFect™ is a sensing technology that monitors tissue impedance 4,300 times per second. It is vital because it allows the ForceTriad to automatically adjust energy output based on the tissue’s resistance. This ensures consistent clinical effects and minimizes unnecessary thermal spread, protecting delicate neighboring tissues.
Can the software on the ForceTriad be upgraded?
Yes. One of the standout features of the ForceTriad is its ability to receive remote software upgrades via the Valleylab™ Exchange System. This means that as new surgical modes or instrument technologies are developed by Covidien, your hardware can be updated without needing to replace the entire unit.
Does the ForceTriad include LigaSure™ technology?
Absolutely. The ForceTriad is the flagship platform for LigaSure™ fusion technology. It is specifically designed to power the full range of LigaSure™ instruments, providing a permanent, high-strength seal for vessels and tissue bundles that can withstand three times systolic blood pressure.
What is the benefit of the Valleylab™ mode?
Valleylab™ mode is a unique waveform that offers a balance between electrosurgical cutting and hemostasis. It provides the surgeon with the ability to dissect through tissue while simultaneously controlling bleeding, which reduces the need to switch between modes and minimizes the production of surgical smoke.
Is there a warranty included with the purchase of a ForceTriad?
Yes, this Covidien Valleylab ForceTriad unit is backed by a 30-day warranty for buyer confidence. This ensures that the unit meets all functional specifications upon arrival and provides protection for your investment as you integrate the energy platform into your surgical facility’s workflow.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.