In surgery, a snare is a tool used to remove or resect tissue, typically during procedures involving the removal of abnormal growths, such as polyps, or in procedures requiring the manipulation or removal of tissue. Here are the types and uses of snares in surgery:

Types of Snares

1. Monofilament Snare:

   • Description: Made of a single strand of wire, usually stainless steel or another durable material.

   • Use: Often used for polypectomy, particularly in endoscopic procedures.

2. Multifilament Snare:

   • Description: Consists of multiple wires twisted or braided together.

   • Use: Provides a broader contact area and is sometimes preferred for its flexibility and strength.

3. Cold Snare:

   • Description: A snare used without electrical current.

   • Use: Typically used for smaller lesions or in situations where minimizing thermal injury is important.

4. Hot Snare:

   • Description: Uses electrical current to cut and cauterize tissue simultaneously.

   • Use: Commonly used in gastrointestinal endoscopy to remove polyps or other lesions.

Uses of Snares

1. Polypectomy:

   • Removing polyps from the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon, during procedures like colonoscopy.

2. Tumor Removal:

   • Snares can be used to resect and remove small tumors in various parts of the body accessible by endoscopic techniques.

3. Foreign Body Retrieval:

   • Sometimes, snares are used to retrieve foreign objects from the body that have been ingested or inserted.

4. Tissue Resection:

   • In addition to tumor removal, snares can be used to resect other types of tissue that need to be removed for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons.

Snares are a critical component in many endoscopic procedures, providing a means to safely and effectively remove tissue with minimal invasion. The choice of snare, whether monofilament, multifilament, cold, or hot, depends on the specific requirements of the surgical procedure, the type of tissue involved, and the preference and experience of the surgeon.

Several companies around the world specialize in the production of medical snares, particularly for endoscopic and surgical use. Some of these companies are well-known in the medical device industry for their quality and innovation. Here are a few notable companies:

1. Olympus Corporation:

   • A leading manufacturer of optical and digital precision technology, Olympus provides a wide range of medical equipment, including endoscopic snares.

2. Boston Scientific:

   • Boston Scientific is known for its medical devices used in interventional medical specialties, including a variety of snares for different surgical purposes.

3. Cook Medical:

   • Cook Medical manufactures a wide range of medical devices and is known for its minimally invasive medical products, including snares for endoscopic procedures.

4. Medline Industries, Inc.:

   • Medline is a manufacturer and distributor of medical products and offers surgical snares among its wide range of medical supplies.

5. ConMed:

   • ConMed is a global medical technology company that specializes in surgical tools and equipment, including snares.

6. Steris:

   • Steris provides various infection prevention, decontamination, and health science technologies, products, and services, including surgical and endoscopic devices.

These companies are known for their commitment to quality and innovation in the medical device field. They continuously work to improve and expand their product lines to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. When choosing a snare or any medical device, it's important for healthcare providers to consider the reputation of the manufacturer, the specific needs of the procedure, and the support and training provided by the company.