In the above picture a co-manager has brought his ESU test device over to my facility so
we could test the Force FX during simultaneous coagulation. This unit only requires you to
plug in a second monopolar hand piece, activate it, and you are in simultaneous coagulation
mode. We noted all of the same potential patient safety issues with this unit. You may view
the test at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zYhbU1EExs. Other tested VALLEYLAB units
that have the same safety issues noted are: The Force 2, which ECRI did an article on in the
90s some time, they gave it a poor review.
Test of the Erbe VIO 300D
The ERBE Company’s equivalent to Simultaneous Monopolar Coagulation is called, Twin
Coagulation. It is selectable through the software menus, if the option is purchased.
In the above photo you can see that Twin Coag is being used at 100 watts in effect 8.
We did find some operational warnings and guidance in the Operators manual pertaining
to twin coag. During testing we noted all of the same potential patient safety issues with this
unit. I sent the first test video to this manufacturer; they didn’t question my test technique.
However, one of their design engineers in Germany recommended using a load value of
1000 ohms. I did so in my second test of the VIO 300 D, however, it didn’t affect the results
of the testing.