In cooperation with Olympus Optical Co. (Tokyo, Japan) the author developed a detachable snare that enables the endoscopic ligation of the base of an elevated lesion. This apparatus surrounds the base of a large polyp or other elevated lesions with a specially manufactured loop, which is then tightened. This detachable snare enables the removal of large polyps and other elevated lesions without bleeding. The loop is made of nylon because the removal of an elevated lesion required high-frequency current. At Sakura National Hospital between May 1989 and October 1990, the detachable snare was used in 11 patients, including 4 with elevated gastric lesions, 2 with elevated duodenal lesions, and 5 with elevated colonic lesions. All of these elevated lesions were pedunculated or semi-pedunculated and measured greater than or equal to 20 mm in maximal diameter. In all cases, the lesions were removed effectively, resulting in a temporary, residual shallow ulcer.