ForceTriadRecalls & reported problems across all models

We found 7 models of ForceTriad by Covidien LP in the FDA's device registry (GUDID). Together they are named in 376 adverse event reports in the FDA's MAUDE database, received between Jun 7, 2016 and Jun 29, 2026 — classified as 1 death, 25 injuries, 350 malfunctions.

The most frequently reported specific device problem is “Self-Activation or Keying” (125 reports).

Reports come from manufacturers, hospitals and patients and are not verified by the FDA. A report does not prove the device caused the event. Widely used products collect more reports, so totals can't be used to compare products or estimate failure rates. Only reports that name a model's exact device identifier are counted. What reports can and can't tell you · How this data works

Most reported ForceTriad problems

ForceTriad models

7 models, most reported first. Each model has its own page with its reports, recalls and device details.

• ForceTriad

  ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES
  1 death345 reports
• ForceTriad FT0021S

  ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES
  10 reports
• ForceTriad ForceTriad ZD

  Electrosurgical, cutting & coagulation & accessories
  9 reports
• ForceTriad FT6009

  ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES
  6 reports
• ForceTriad FT0022W

  ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES
  4 reports
• ForceTriad FT0510

  Electrosurgical, cutting & coagulation & accessories
  1 report
• ForceTriad FTBRKIT

  ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES
  1 report

Recent ForceTriad adverse event reports

The 15 most recent reports across all models, in the reporter's own words as published by the FDA.

• MalfunctionJun 29, 2026Energy Output Problem; Self-Activation or Keying; Failure to Cut; Device Displays Incorrect Message

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE UNIT STARTED CUTTING ON ITS OWN AND THEN AN ERROR MESSAGE ABOUT THE PEDAL APPEARED.

  Patient problems: Insufficient Information

  MAUDE report 25652219 ↗
• MalfunctionMar 30, 2026Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT AFTER THE PROCEDURE, THE PATIENT GOT FIRST DEGREE BURN.

  Patient problems: Superficial (First Degree) Burn

  MAUDE report 24720916 ↗
• MalfunctionFeb 24, 2026Connection Problem; Appropriate Device Problem Term/Code Not Available

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING A PROCEDURE, WHEN AN OLD BIPOLAR RESECTION CORD (LOT: X240X) WAS CONNECTED TO A NEWLY INSTALLED GENERATOR (SN: (B)(6)), IT DID NOT WORK/NON-COMPATIBILITY, ANOTHER FT0021S (LOT: Y180X) WAS USED FOR WHICH ALSO DID NOT WORK WITH THE VLFT10GEN (SN: (B)(6)) AND THREE OTHER VLFT10GEN. THE PATIENT WAS ALREADY UNDER ANESTHESIA, THE SURGEON HAD TO USE THE MONOPOLAR CUTTING LOOP CONNECTED TO THE MONOPOLAR CORD, INSTEAD OF USING THE BIPOLAR CUTTING LOOP ELECTRODE CONNECTED THE BIPOLAR CORD TO RESECT THE TUMOR. AFTER THE PROCEDURE, THE PATIENT WAS EXTUBATED AND TRANSFERRED TO PACU (POST-ANESTHESIA CARE UNIT) FOR RECOVERY FROM ANESTHESIA. AFTER RECOVERY, THE PATIENT WAS TRANSFERRED BACK TO HIS ROOM.

  Patient problems: Insufficient Information

  MAUDE report 24429550 ↗
• MalfunctionJan 16, 2026Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT THE PATIENT HAD A FIRST-DEGREE BURN AFTER THE PROCEDURE. A NON-MEDTRONIC REM PAD WAS USED ALONG WITH THE GENERATOR.

  Patient problems: Superficial (First Degree) Burn

  MAUDE report 24091915 ↗
• MalfunctionNov 25, 2025Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING POSTERIOR CERVICAL LAMINOPLASTY, WHEN THE SURGEON WAS BEGINNING THE CASE, HE ACTIVATED THE BIPOLAR CAUTERY AND NOTICED SMOKE, A SPARK AND THEN A FLAME COME OUT OF THE BIPOLAR FORCEPS WHEN THE FOOTSWITCH WAS ACTIVATED. WHEN THE FOOTSWITCH WAS LET OFF THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. HE WAS HOLDING THE TIP IN THE AIR AND NOTHING ON THE SURGICAL FILED IGNITED. THE SURGEON WAS USING A NON-MEDTRONIC BIPOLAR FORCEPS. THE DISPOSABLE TUBING USED NON-MEDTRONIC AS WELL. THE MEDTRONIC GENERATOR WAS ON A SETTING OF 35. THE SERVICE COORDINATOR REMOVED THE GENERATOR, NON-MEDTRONIC BIPOLAR TIP, NON-MEDTRONIC BIPOLAR TUBING AND PACKAGING FROM SERVICE AND CONTACTED BIOMED. THERE WAS NO PATIENT HARM/INJURY.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 23643101 ↗
• MalfunctionAug 26, 2025Failure to Deliver Energy; Self-Activation or Keying; Failure to Deliver Energy; Self-Activation or Keying

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING PROCEDURE; COAGULATION DID NOT STOP DESPITE THE CHANGING THE FOOT PEDAL AND HANDLE SCALPEL. THERE WAS NO PATIENT HARM/INJURY.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 22892537 ↗
• MalfunctionJun 27, 2025Failure to Calibrate; Device Displays Incorrect Message; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Failure to Calibrate; Device Displays Incorrect Message; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER, DURING A PROCEDURE, THE UNIT HAD A LEAKAGE AND AN ERROR MESSAGE. THE PATIENT HAD FIRST DEGREE BURN THAT WAS CAUSED BY A NON-MEDTRONIC REM PAD.

  Patient problems: Superficial (First Degree) Burn

  MAUDE report 22350025 ↗
• MalfunctionJun 4, 2025Energy Output Problem; Intermittent Energy Output; Energy Output Problem; Intermittent Energy Output

  ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER, DURING A LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY, THE HANDPIECE HAD NO SEAL WHEN USED ON A NORMAL ARTERIOLE BETWEEN STOMACH AND SPLEEN. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ENERGY DELIVERY AND END TONES WERE HEARD. THERE WAS NO RE-GRASP ALERT OR ERROR. THE HANDPIECE WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE 3 GOOD SEALS BEFORE THE ISSUE OCCURRED AND WAS CLEANED NORMALLY. THE SURGERY WAS EXTENDED FOR 15 MINUTES AND BIPOLAR AND HEMOSTASIS WAS USED TO STOP ARTERIAL BLEEDING. BLOOD TRANSFUSION WAS NOT REQUIRED.

  Patient problems: Hemorrhage/Blood Loss/Bleeding

  MAUDE report 22143236 ↗
• MalfunctionMay 19, 2025Connection Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Connection Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER, DURING A FACE GROWTH REMOVAL, THE DEVICE ACTIVATED SMALL FLAME AS SOON AS THE BUTTON WAS PRESSED. IT WAS EXTINGUISHED BY WATER. PHOTOS WERE SUBMITTED SHOWING DRAPE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE PATIENT SUFFERED A MILD REDNESS AND SLIGHT BURN TO THE TIP OF THE NOSE AND THE BASED OF THE NOSTRILS (2 CM). DAILY MEDICATION WAS THE TREATMENT DONE TO THE PATIENT. THE PATIENT HAD BEEN DISCHARGED AND IS FINE.

  Patient problems: Burn(s)

  MAUDE report 22043682 ↗
• MalfunctionMay 5, 2025Energy Output Problem; Intermittent Energy Output; Energy Output Problem; Intermittent Energy Output

  ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER, DURING A SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY, THE HANDPIECE HAD NO COAGULATION. THE GENERATOR WAS CHANGED FROM FORCETRIAD TO LS10 BUT THE ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED. THE OPERATION TIME WAS EXTENDED FOR AT LEAST 5 TO 10 MINUTES. THE PATIENT HAD BLEEDING AND WAS RESOLVED BY USING BIPOLAR ENERGY. THE PATIENT WAS NOT TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION WAS NOT NECESSARY. THE PATIENT IS DOING GOOD.

  Patient problems: Hemorrhage/Blood Loss/Bleeding

  MAUDE report 21960534 ↗
• MalfunctionMay 1, 2025Energy Output Problem; Intermittent Energy Output; Energy Output Problem; Intermittent Energy Output

  ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER, IN THE MIDDLE OF A SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY, THE TWO HANDPIECES HAD COAGULATION ISSUE WHEN USED ON NORMAL SLEEVE INTERVENTION MESO VESSEL. THERE WAS ACTIVATION TONE AND END TONE WAS HEARD BUT THERE NO RE-GRASP ALARM. JAWS WERE CLEANED NORMALLY. GENERATOR WAS CHANGED FROM FORCETRIAD TO LS10 BUT ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED. OPERATION TIME WAS EXTENDED FOR AT LEAST 5 TO 10 MINUTES. PATIENT HAD BLEEDING AND WAS RESOLVED BY USING BIPOLAR ENERGY. PATIENT WAS NOT TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS AND BLOOD TRANSFUSION WAS NOT NECESSARY. PATIENT IS DOING GOOD.

  Patient problems: Hemorrhage/Blood Loss/Bleeding

  MAUDE report 21943105 ↗
• InjuryApr 23, 2025Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  ACCORDING TO THE LITERATURE, A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ANALYZED THE OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WHO UNDERWENT ROBOTIC DISTAL GASTRECTOMY WITH A SINGLE-PORT ROBOTIC PLATFORM FOR THE TREATMENT OF GASTRIC CANCER BETWEEN MARCH 2023 AND APRIL 2024. IT WAS NOTED THAT A LIGASURE DEVICE OR COMPETITOR PRODUCT WAS UTILIZED INTRA-OPERATIVELY TO DIVIDE THICK TISSUE AND VESSELS. THERE WERE 20 PATIENTS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY AND COMPLICATIONS INCLUDED PLEURAL EFFUSION AND CHYLE ASCITES. NO RE-OPERATION OR MORTALITY WAS REPORTED; HOWEVER, INTERVENTIONS AND PATIENT OUTCOMES ARE UNKNOWN.

  Patient problems: Ascites; Pleural Effusion

  MAUDE report 21893010 ↗
• MalfunctionApr 17, 2025Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT AFTER THE PROCEDURE, PATIENT HAD A FIRST-DEGREE BURN ON THE BUTTOCKS WHICH ALSO SHOWED IN THE PHOTO.

  Patient problems: Burn(s)

  MAUDE report 21852930 ↗
• MalfunctionMar 26, 2025Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER THE PATIENT WAS DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL AFTER A TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY TO SEAL THE UTERINE ARTERY. POST-OPERATIVELY, PATIENT COMPLAINED OF ABDOMINAL PAIN, FEVER AND THE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP) LEVEL WAS HIGH, SO THE PATIENT WAS STILL ADVISED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL BUT WAS DISCHARGED AT THE PATIENT'S STRONG DESIRE. THE NIGHT AFTER BEING DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL, THE PATIENT WAS TRANSPORTED IN EMERGENCY TO THE HOSPITAL DUE TO ABDOMINAL PAIN. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PATIENT HAD EXCESSIVE INTRAPERITONEAL HEMORRHAGE WITH NO PROXIMAL LIGATION FROM THE LOCATION WHERE THE UTERINE ARTERY WAS SEALED WITH LIGASURE. PATIENT WAS TREATED WITH HEMOSTASIS AND THE PATIENT'S LIFE WAS SAVED. THE SURGEON NOTED THAT BOTH LIGASURE AND TRIAD COULD BE USED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS DURING THE INITIAL CASE.

  Patient problems: Abdominal Pain; Appropriate Clinical Signs, Symptoms and Conditions Term/Code Not Available; Fever; Intra-Abdominal Hemorrhage

  MAUDE report 21695274 ↗
• MalfunctionMar 24, 2025Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem; Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem

  IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING THE PROCEDURE THE PATIENT SUFFERED A SECOND DEGREE BURN. THE BURN WAS ABOUT 10 CM LONG IN THE HIP AREA AND WAS TREATED. THE NON-ORIGINAL ATTACHMENT AND NON-MEDTRONIC PATIENT PLATE WERE USED IN THE CASE.

  Patient problems: Partial thickness (Second Degree) Burn

  MAUDE report 21676743 ↗

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