Ecraseur, Chassaignae, metal, chromium-plated, by Down of London, 1880-1920

This Chassaignae-type écraseur was used to remove tumours and haemorrhoids. The linked, looped chain at the end of the instrument would be fitted over the growth by pressing the two levers on each side and moving the handle up to reduce the size of the loop – or down to increase the size of the loop. Once the loop is placed over the growth the linked chain is gradually tightened until the links are inside the main body of the instrument. The growth is slowly strangulated, cutting off the blood supply prior to removal. The process had the benefit of not producing any unnecessary bleeding. It was invented by Dr Chassaignae, a Parisian surgeon.