Applying a caustic substance, electric current, hot instrument, or other agent to burn or destroy tissue and control bleeding during surgery. From the Greek term kauterion, meaning branding iron.
An instrument or chemical that destroys tissue, as a therapeutic measure.
A hot instrument or corrosive chemical used to destroy tissue or to coagulate blood in controlling certain types of hemorrhage.
A surgical instrument used to cauterise a wound.
A device used to destroy tissue by electricity, freezing, heat, or corrosive chemicals. It is used in potentially infected wounds and to destroy excess granulation tissue. Thermocautery consists of a red-hot or white-hot object, usually a piece of wire or pointed metallic instrument, heated in a flame or with electricity (electrocautery, galvanocautery).
The utilization of heat or chemicals to halt bleeding, inhibit the spread of infection, or induce tissue destruction.
A device used to burn away tissue, typically powered by electricity that heats a platinum loop until it glows a dull red.