ligature

(lig′ă-chŭr )

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[L. ligatura, a tying, binding]

1. Process of binding or tying.
2. A thread or wire for tying a blood vessel or other structure in order to constrict or fasten it. The cord or material used may be catgut, synthetic suture materials such as nylon or Dacron, polyglycolic acid, or natural fibers such as silk or cotton. Sometimes strips of fascia obtained from the patient are used as a ligature.
SEE: suture
3. A noose.

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