What is cautery primarily used for?

Cautery is primarily utilized as a therapeutic intervention to destroy tissue. This technique is often employed in various medical procedures to remove unwanted or diseased tissue, control bleeding, or prevent the spread of infection. The process works by applying heat, which causes cellular destruction in the targeted area. This targeted application allows for more precise surgical interventions and helps to achieve desired clinical outcomes.

Using cautery can also assist in situations such as electrosurgery, where high-frequency electrical currents are employed to cut tissue and coagulate blood vessels, thus minimizing blood loss during surgical procedures. This effectiveness in managing tissue destruction underscores its importance in clinical practice.