An assembly of line-powered devices designed to regulate an electrical current used to heat the electrode tip or wire loop of a cutting instrument intended to burn or sear body tissues during surgery. It is typically used to stop bleeding (cauterization of blood vessels), to treat superficial skin lesions (e.g., removal of warts, removal of gastrointestinal polyps via an appropriate endoscope), or to occlude fallopian tubes during sterilization procedures. It typically consists of a generator, a handpiece, and electrodes. Unlike electrosurgical diathermy, electrocautery does not involve electrical current passing through the patient.