Page 1
User’s Guide ForceTriad ™ Energy Platform...
Page 2
This manual and the equipment it describes are for use only by qualified medical professionals trained in the particular technique and surgical procedure to be performed. It is intended as a guide for using the Valleylab ForceTriad™ energy platform only. Additional technical information is available in the ForceTriad™...
Page 3
Caution Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. Notice Indicates a hazard which may result in product damage. Important Indicates an operating tip or maintenance suggestion. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 4
This warranty does not apply to any product, or part thereof, which has been repaired or altered outside Valleylab’s factory in a way so as, in Valleylab’s judgment, to affect its stability or reliability, or which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, or accident.
Page 5
District Court of the County of Boulder, State of Colorado, USA. Valleylab, its dealers, and representatives reserve the right to make changes in equipment built and/or sold by them at any time without incurring any obligation to make the same or similar changes on equipment previously built and/or sold by them.
Conventions Used in this Guide .......................... iii Warranty .................................. iv Chapter 1. ForceTriad Energy Platform Overview and General Features ForceTriad Energy Platform Front Panel ......................1-2 Introduction ................................1-2 System Conventions ............................1-3 Touchscreens ..............................1-3 Common Symbols ............................1-3 Power Modes ................................1-5 Monopolar Modes ............................1-5...
Page 8
....................... 4-6 Active Electrodes ..............................4-8 Standard Monopolar Mode Functionality ....................4-8 Valleylab Mode Functionality ........................4-9 Using a Valleylab Mode Instrument ....................... 4-10 Manual Power Control Functionality ..................... 4-11 Accessory Port Functionality ........................4-12 Chapter 5. Bipolar Surgery Front Panel Bipolar Features ..........................
Page 9
Service Centers ..............................8-4 Chapter 9. Technical Specifications Performance Characteristics ..........................9-2 General .................................9-2 Dimensions and Weight ..........................9-2 Operating Parameters ..........................9-3 Transport and Storage ..........................9-3 Internal Memory ............................9-3 Activation Tone ............................9-4 Alarm Tone ..............................9-4 REM Contact Quality Monitor ........................9-5 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 10
............................9-13 Maximum Output for Bipolar, Monopolar, and LigaSure Modes ............9-13 Available Power Settings in Watts ......................9-14 Output Waveforms ........................... 9-16 Output Power vs. Resistance Graphs ......................9-17 Monopolar Graphs ........................... 9-17 Bipolar Graphs ............................9-22 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
C h a p t e r ForceTriad Energy Platform Overview and General Features This chapter provides an overview of the features and functions of the ForceTriad energy platform. Caution Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before use.
Bipolar Instrument Receptacle Monopolar 1 Instrument Receptacle Introduction The ForceTriad energy platform is designed to provide RF energy for monopolar and bipolar surgical applications and tissue-fusion applications. It features three touchscreen user interfaces, and has the ability to automatically detect handsets and configure the generator accordingly.
System Conventions System Conventions Touchscreens The ForceTriad energy platform features a user-friendly interface with three touchscreens that allow the user to control system functions. The active touchscreen or touchscreens will illuminate, and the unavailable touchscreens will dim. Common Symbols Symbol...
Page 14
This indicates that error warnings have been disabled using the Disabled service menu. The generator will not alarm or give error conditions when this symbol is activated. Note: Additional information on symbols may be found in the Technical Specifications chapter in this manual. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Power Modes Power Modes As a safety feature to prevent unexpected power delivery spikes, simultaneous activation of multiple instruments is not possible on the ForceTriad energy platform. Monopolar Modes The ForceTriad energy platform produces five different modes of power output.
LigaSure Instruments The LigaSure instruments that complete the ForceTriad tissue fusion system include multiple reusable and single use instruments for open and laparoscopic procedures. Each reusable instrument requires a corresponding single use electrode.
Caution When using a smoke evacuator in conjunction with the ForceTriad energy platform, set the system volume control at a level that ensures that the activation tones can be heard.
Page 19
Inadvertent activation may occur while installing, removing, or bending electrodes. Ensure that the instrument cord is not connected to the ForceTriad energy platform or that the system is OFF. a. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
(such as gauze or surgical drapes). Electrosurgical instruments that are activated or hot from use can cause a fire. When not in use, place electrosurgical instruments in a safety holster or safely away from patients, the surgical team, and flammable materials. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Caution Do not stack equipment on top of the energy platform or place the energy platform on top of electrical equipment. This is an unstable configuration and does not allow for adequate cooling. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
All Valleylab instruments have voltage ratings that are greater than the maximum output voltages in the ForceTriad energy platform and are thus fully compatible. Information on voltage ratings for non-Valleylab instruments should be obtained from the instrument’s manufacturer.
• Activate the energy platform after the instrument makes contact with the hemostat. Do not arc to the hemostat. • When using a coated or nonstick blade electrode, place the edge of the electrode against the hemostat or other metal instrument. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Capacitive pads and other non-CQM patient return electrodes may not work with the ForceTriad energy platform. Important A statement of compatibility from the CQM patient return electrode manufacturer should be obtained prior to the use of a non-Valleylab CQM patient return electrode. Inadvertent Radio Frequency (RF) Burns Warning...
Improper connection may result in inadvertent system activation. LigaSure Warning LigaSure instruments are intended for use ONLY with the Valleylab ForceTriad energy platform and the Valleylab LigaSure vessel sealing system. Use of these instruments with other Valleylab generators or with generators produced by other manufacturers may not result in electrical output for which these instruments were designed and thus may not result in the desired clinical effect.
• Carefully insert and withdraw LigaSure instruments from cannulas to avoid possible damage to the devices and/or injury to the patient. 2-10 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
(s-cord) to direct the current back to the energy platform, you must also use a Valleylab E0507-B adapter. To avoid a REM alarm, you must use a REM patient return electrode with the E0507-B adapter.
• Use the lowest power setting that achieves the desired surgical effect and use a low voltage waveform (Pure Cut, Blend, or Valleylab mode) to lessen the potential for the creation of capacitive currents.
Caution Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before use. Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before use. Specific instructions for electrosurgical instruments are not included in this manual. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
If the system does not pass the power-up self test, refer to Chapter 7, Troubleshooting. System Functions Adjusting Display Brightness The ForceTriad energy platform screens have two levels of brightness. Touch the brightness icon on the right side of the right touchscreen to adjust the display brightness. Activation Log The Activation Log allows the user to view the last 1000 activations and REM alerts.
Refer to the ForceTriad energy platform service manual for complete service instructions. Restore Select the Restore button in the main menu to restore the ForceTriad energy platform to the previous setup configuration. The touchscreens will display the last settings entered prior to shutting the system off.
Page 32
If the Autobipolar mode is enabled, the Autobipolar button will display ‘Disable Autobipolar’. Touch the Disable Autobipolar button to disable the Autobipolar mode. Touch the green arrow button below the setup menu to return to the main menu. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
In the main menu, the Demo mode button will display ‘Exit Demo’ if the system is in Demo mode. Touch the Exit Demo button in the main menu to exit the Demo mode. The system touchscreens will display the last settings entered during the Demo mode. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
C h a p t e r Monopolar Function This chapter describes the monopolar surgery features of the ForceTriad energy platform. Caution system Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this before use. Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before use.
E0017 active adapter) Rear Panel Monopolar Features Fuse Port Port 250V, F8.0A (100-240) Ethernet Port U.S. and foreign patents pending. Expansion Port RS232 Port Interlink Cable Port Monopolar Footswitch Receptacle (requires adapter to connect standard four-pin monopolar footswitch) ForceTriad User’s Guide...
If you are familiar with the ForceTriad energy platform, you may follow this abbreviated procedure to set up the system for monopolar surgery. If you are not familiar with the ForceTriad energy platform, refer to the following sections in this chapter for detailed instructions.
Monopolar Function Overview Monopolar Function Overview Monopolar Power Output Modes The ForceTriad energy platform produces two cut modes, Pure and Blend; one Valleylab mode; and two coag modes, Fulgurate and Spray. Warning Electric Shock Hazard • Do not connect wet instruments to the system.
Return Electrodes – REM Contact Quality Monitoring System Patient Return Electrode Setup The REM indicator icon appears on the Standard Monopolar, Valleylab, and Accessory Port displays. Warning The safe use of monopolar electrosurgery requires proper placement of the patient return electrode. To avoid electrosurgical burns beneath the patient return electrode, follow all directions on the product package for proper return electrode placement and use.
Page 41
Troubleshooting chapter for detailed instructions on correcting REM alarms. REM Alarm Indicator When a REM alarm occurs, the large red and yellow REM icon is displayed for a few seconds and then disappears. The small green REM icon turns red. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
If a two-button instrument is connected to the energy platform, proceed to the Standard Monopolar Mode Functionality section below. If a Valleylab mode enabled three-button instrument is connected to the energy platform, proceed to the Valleylab Mode Functionality section below.
Manual Selector Button Power Zones: The five gold bars in the center of the Valleylab tab represent the five power zones available for the particular instrument attached to the energy platform receptacle. The system automatically selects the default power zone setting for the particular instrument.
Using a Valleylab Mode Instrument Select the desired power zone by touching the corresponding bar on the Valleylab tab touchscreen. The bar that was touched, along with all the bars below it, will illuminate gold and a brief double tone will sound. Power output is displayed in watts.
Adjust the power output for cut, Valleylab mode, and coag by pressing the associated green up or down buttons on the energy platform touchscreen. To return to the sterile field control mode, click on the X button. The Valleylab mode control screen will re-appear on the touchscreen, and the power zone and slider position will reset based on the current instrument configuration.
Instruments with 8 mm pins connect directly to the accessory port on the ForceTriad energy platform. Instruments with pin diameters less than 8 mm require the use of an E0502-1 or E0017 Valleylab adapter. Remove the adapter when not in use.
C h a p t e r Bipolar Surgery This chapter describes the bipolar surgery features of the ForceTriad energy platform. Caution Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before use. Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before use.
Front Panel Bipolar Features Front Panel Bipolar Features Bipolar Instrument Receptacle Bipolar Touchscreen Power Switch Rear Panel Bipolar Features 250V, F8.0A (100-240) U.S. and foreign patents pending. Bipolar Footswitch Receptacle ForceTriad User’s Guide...
If you are familiar with the ForceTriad energy platform, you may follow this abbreviated procedure to set up the system for bipolar surgery. If you are not familiar with the ForceTriad energy platform, refer to the following sections in this chapter for detailed instructions.
Failure to observe this precaution may result in injury or electrical shock to the patient or surgical team. Footswitch The ForceTriad energy platform in bipolar mode can accommodate a three-pin, single-pedal bipolar footswitch. If you plan to use a footswitching bipolar instrument, attach the bipolar footswitch connector plug to the bipolar footswitch receptacle on the rear panel.
A mute button allows the user to silence the ammeter tone but not the activation tone. Autobipolar Electrode Function The ForceTriad energy platform is equipped with an autobipolar feature that allows the user to configure the system for automatic activation and cessation of bipolar energy.
Page 52
To return the energy platform to bipolar functionality, touch the green Bipolar button. The bipolar tab will replace the autobipolar tab. Turn the system off. The next time the system is turned on, it will default to the bipolar function, and the bipolar tab will be visible. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
C h a p t e r LigaSure Tissue Fusion This chapter describes how to set up and operate the LigaSure tissue fusion function of the ForceTriad energy platform. Caution Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before use.
If you are familiar with the ForceTriad energy platform, you may follow this abbreviated procedure to setup the system for LigaSure tissue fusion. If you are not familiar with the ForceTriad energy platform, refer to the following sections in this chapter for detailed instructions.
LigaSure touchscreen and is surrounded by a purple color bar with an Orange orange footswitch icon to the right of it. This receptacle accepts all Valleylab LigaSure instruments and can read either the dot patterns or bar codes on the LigaSmart connector.
Failure to observe this precaution may result in injury or electrical shock to the patient or surgical team. Footswitch The ForceTriad energy platform in LigaSure mode can accommodate two single-pedal LigaSure footswitches. If you plan to activate the LigaSure instrument connected to the LigaSure 1...
Connecting LigaSure Instruments to the Energy Platform Connect the LigaSmart connector to the LigaSure 1 or LigaSure 2 receptacle on the front panel of the ForceTriad energy platform. The system detects the instrument type and sets the appropriate bar setting in the display. If you have entered settings in the LigaSure touchscreen prior to connecting a LigaSure instrument, these settings will be reset.
Clean electrode tips – Use a wet gauze pad to clean surfaces and edges of instrument jaws. Remove excess fluids – Pooled fluids around the instrument tip; minimize or remove excess fluids. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
If the instrument is single use only (disposable), dispose of it according to the procedures for your institution. • If the instrument is reusable, clean and sterilize it according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Disconnect and store any footswitch(es) used. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
15 min 1 min (270 - 280 The instructions provided above have been validated by Valleylab as being capable of preparing LigaSure instruments for reuse. It remains the responsibility of the processor to ensure that sterilization is performed using equipment, materials, and personnel that will achieve the desired results.
Troubleshooting Caution Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before use. Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before use. Specific instructions for electrosurgical instruments are not included in this manual. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
REM Alarms If the ForceTriad energy platform does not sense the correct impedance for the connected REM patient return electrode, monopolar energy will be disabled, the REM symbol will illuminate red and enlarge on both the center and left touchscreen displays, and an alarm tone will sound twice.
Replace the power cord. Fuse drawer is open or fuses are Replace the blown fuse(s). Close the blown. fuse drawer. Refer to the ForceTriad Energy Platform Service Manual. Internal component malfunction Use a backup energy platform. Contact your biomedical engineering department or a Valleylab technical service representative for assistance.
Page 66
In case of a REM alarm, refer to Correcting a REM Alarm Condition earlier in this chapter. Internal component malfunction Contact your biomedical engineering department or a Valleylab technical service representative for assistance. System does not detect tissue fusion Firmly insert the LigaSmart connector instrument into the appropriate receptacle on the energy platform front panel.
Page 67
Contact common ground. The energy platform your biomedical engineering may respond to the resulting voltage department or a Valleylab technical differences between grounded service representative for assistance. objects. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 68
Always monitor patients with pacemakers during surgery and keep a defibrillator available. Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) ICD is activated by energy platform Stop the procedure and contact the activation ICD manufacturer for instructions. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Solution Check for stuck instrument buttons and footswitches. Check that nothing is bumping against the touchscreens. REM Alarm Refer to the REM Alarms in this chapter. LigaSure Check Instrument Alert Refer to Alert Situations in Chapter 6. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 70
LigaSure Endpoint Not Reached Alert Refer to Alert Situations in Chapter 6. Dual Instrument Alert Disconnect one instrument connected under associated screen. Invalid Instrument Alert Disconnect invalid instrument. Use appropriate instrument. Refer to instrument instructions for use for compatibility instructions. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
• Service centers Caution Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before use. Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before use. Specific instructions for electrosurgical instruments are not included in this manual. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Responsibility of the Manufacturer Responsibility of the Manufacturer Valleylab is responsible for the safety, reliability, and performance of the energy platform only if all of the following conditions have been met: • Installation and setup procedures in this manual are followed.
Returning the Energy Platform for Service Before you return the energy platform, call your Valleylab sales representative for assistance. If you are instructed to send the energy platform to Valleylab, do the following: Obtain a return authorization number. Call the Valleylab Customer Service Center for your area to obtain a Return Authorization Number.
Software Upgrades Software upgrades must be performed by authorized personnel only. Service Centers For a complete list of service centers worldwide, please refer to the Valleylab website: http://www.valleylab.com/valleylab/international/service-world.html ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Caution Read all warnings, cautions, and instructions provided with this system before use. Read the instructions, warnings, and cautions provided with electrosurgical instruments before use. Specific instructions for electrosurgical instruments are not included in this manual. ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Three LCD touchscreens Connector ports LED illuminated Smart connector readers Mounting • ForceTriad energy platform cart (FT900), Universal Mounting cart (UC8009), and/or the UC8010 Overshelf • Operating room boom systems • Any stable, flat surface such as a table or cart top...
0% to 90% (non-condensing) Atmospheric pressure 500 millibars to 1060 millibars Duration of storage The ForceTriad energy platform may be stored indefinitely. If the energy platform is stored for over one year, the memory battery must be replaced. Internal Memory...
Performance Characteristics Activation Tone The audio levels stated below are for activation tones (cut, Valleylab, coag, bipolar, and LigaSure modes) and alarm tones (REM and system alarms) at a distance of one meter. Volume (adjustable) 45 to 65 dBA Frequency...
Then, the indicator illuminates green and RF output is enabled. Autobipolar The ForceTriad energy platform is equipped with an autobipolar feature that allows for automatic activation of bipolar energy. Note: The autobipolar electrode function requires the use of the Valleylab E0018 bipolar instrument cord.
0 sec to 2.5 sec Duty Cycle Under maximum power settings and rated load conditions, the ForceTriad energy platform is capable of operating a duty cycle of 25%, defined as 10 seconds active and 30 seconds inactive, in any mode for a period of 4 hours.
50 Hz to 60 Hz Fuses (2): 5 mm x 20 mm 8A, 250 V Fuses (2): 5 mm x 20 mm 8A, 250 V fast blow fast blow Power cord: 3-prong hospital grade Power cord: 3-prong locally approved connector connector ForceTriad User’s Guide...
48 Hz and 62 Hz. The User does not need to reconfigure the ForceTriad energy platform for different line frequencies. Input Current The ForceTriad energy platform draws no more than 10A at any line input voltage. Backup Power The ForceTriad energy platform retains all user programmed features, calibration, and statistical data when switched off and unplugged.
Standards and IEC Classifications Standards and IEC Classifications The ForceTriad energy platform meets all pertinent clauses of the IEC 60601-1 second edition and IEC 60601-2-2 third edition. ATTENTION Consult accompanying documents The generator output is floating (isolated) with respect to ground.
LigaSure related receptacle or footswitch Color-coded LigaSure footswitch symbol for matching rear panel connector to front panel receptacle REM patient return electrode receptacle Volume adjustment for activation tones Equipotential grounding point Equipment should not be disposed in trash 9-10 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
“defibrillator proof” designation and IEC 60601-2-2. Liquid Spillage (IEC 60601-2-2 Clause 44.3) The ForceTriad energy platform is constructed so that liquid spillage in normal use does not wet electrical insulation or other components which when wetted are likely to adversely affect the safety of the equipment.
ForceTriad energy platform service manual. Portable and mobile RF communications equipment can affect the ForceTriad energy platform. Refer to the EMC information provided in the ForceTriad energy platform service manual. The ForceTriad energy platform meets the following requirements: ESD Immunity (IEC 60601-1-2 Sub-Clause 36.202 and IEC 61000-4-2)
5.55 6.5% 500 Ω Spray 3625 V 7250 V 120 W 4.6% 20 Ω LigaSure 287.5 V 575 V 350 W 1.42 * An indication of a waveform’s ability to coagulate bleeders without a cutting effect. ForceTriad User’s Guide 9-13...
Output Characteristics Available Power Settings in Watts Bipolar and Autobipolar (All Modes) Monopolar Cut Monopolar Blend 9-14 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Output power versus power setting for Pure cut power Cut, Output Power vs. Setting @ 300ohm Power Setting Peak voltage versus power setting for Pure cut power 1000 Open Circuit Cut Peak Voltage vs. Power setting Power Setting ForceTriad User’s Guide 9-17...
Page 92
Output power versus power setting for Blend power Blend Output Power vs. Setting @ 300ohm Power Setting Peak voltage versus power 1600 setting for Blend power 1400 1200 1000 Open Circuit Blend Peak Voltage vs. Power Setting Power Setting 9-18 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 93
Output power versus power setting for Fulgurate power Fulgurate Output Power vs. Setting @500ohm Power Setting Peak voltage versus power setting for Fulgurate power 3500 3000 2500 Open Circuit 2000 Fulgurate Peak Voltage vs. Power 1500 Setting 1000 Power Setting ForceTriad User’s Guide 9-19...
Page 94
Spray power Spray Output Power vs. Setting @ 500ohm Power Setting Peak voltage versus power setting for Spray power 4000 3500 3000 2500 Open Circuit Spray 2000 Peak Voltage vs. Power Setting 1500 1000 Power Setting 9-20 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 95
Valleylab power Hemostasis w/ Division Output power vs. Power Setting @ 300ohm Power Setting Peak voltage versus power setting for Valleylab power 2500 2000 Open Circuit 1500 Valleylab Mode Peak Voltage vs. 1000 Power Setting Power Setting ForceTriad User’s Guide 9-21...
Output power versus power setting for Bipolar Low power Bip Low Output Power vs. Setting @ 100ohm Power Setting Peak voltage versus power setting for Bipolar Low power Open Circuit Bipolar Low Peak Voltage vs. Power Setting Power Setting 9-22 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 97
Power Setting Peak voltage versus power setting for Bipolar Standard power 500ohm Bipolar Standard Peak Voltage vs. Power Setting Power Setting Note: Maximum peak voltage in the Bipolar Standard mode occurs at 500 Ω, not open circuit. ForceTriad User’s Guide 9-23...
Page 98
Output power versus power setting for Bipolar Macro power Bip Macro Output Power vs. Setting @ 100ohm Power Setting Peak voltage versus power setting for Bipolar Macro power Open Circuit Bipolar Macro Peak Voltage vs. Power Setting Power Setting 9-24 ForceTriad User’s Guide...
Page 99
Output Power vs. Resistance Graphs LigaSure Output power versus impedance for LigaSure power 3.5A 5.5A 1.0A Load Impedance (ohms) Peak voltage versus impedance for LigaSure power 3.5A Vpeak 5.5A Vpeak 1.0A Vpeak Load Impedance (ohms) ForceTriad User’s Guide 9-25...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the ForceTriad and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers