Importance

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Abstract

A surgical instrument assembly for use in snare cauterization operations includes a first tubular sheath member containing a metallic electrical snare cauterization loop. A second tubular sheath member is disposed inside of the first tubular sheath member. A flexible suture member is releasably connected to the cauterization loop, and is provided with a one-way slip knot at its distal end thereby forming a loop of a size corresponding to that of the cauterization loop. The proximal end of the suture member is disposed in the distal end of the second tubular sheath member and is releasably joined to a manually-controlled flexible tensioning device. During use of the instrument, the cauterization loop and connected suture member is expanded from a collapsed configuration and passed over a polyp or other body tissue that is to be removed. The suture member is released from the cauterization loop, the slip knot is tightened around the base of the polyp or body tissue to effect ligation, the cauterization loop is tightened around the free end of the polyp and severed. The stalk of the polyp remains securely ligated by the suture.

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First Claim