Ecraseur is a French word meaning “to crush.” The French physician Chassaignac (1805–1879) invented the Ecraseur for tongue amputation and removal of polypoid masses. The device was used to remove tongue polyps and uterine and ovarian tumors. The chain or wire encircle the troubled area, and then gradually be tightened until the area was removed. This method helped keep blood loss to a minimum by strangulating the growth and cutting off its blood supply.