The 'safety snare'--a ligature-placing snare to prevent haemorrhage after transection of large pedunculated polyps.

A modified snare has been fabricated in prototype form which permits the placement of a tightenable nylon loop ligature around the stalk of large polyps, which is then left in situ after withdrawal of the snare handle and endoscope. The clinical application of the safety snare is likely to be the prevention of immediate or delayed haemorrhage from the stalks of unusually large polyps, or after polypectomy in patients with bleeding diathesis. The use of the snare has proved practicable in preliminary clinical trials.