A tonsil snare is a surgical instrument used primarily in a tonsillectomy to remove tonsils by using a wire loop to encircle and then cut the tonsil tissue away from its attachments. It is also used to crush the "pedicle" or tissue stalk that connects the tonsil to the throat, which helps to minimize bleeding.

Tonsil removal:

The main use of a tonsil snare is to remove tonsils during a tonsillectomy.

Encirclement:

A surgeon places the wire loop of the snare around the tonsil to be removed.

Cutting/Crushing:

The loop is then tightened to cut through the tonsil's pedicle, the tissue that connects it to the throat.

Hemostasis:

The crushing action of the wire loop releases a clotting agent called thromboplastin, which helps control bleeding and minimize hemorrhage.