Precise electrocoagulation of splanchnic blood vessels using direct currents applied by catheter-placed electrodes has proved feasible. This technique might prove feasible in controlling massive gastrointestinal bleeding or in the occlusion of arterial feeders to AV malformations. Electrocoagulation is well tolerated in the blood vessels supplying the stomach and duodenum of dogs. It produces infarction of the small bowel if branches of the superior mesenteric artery are coagulated. Arrythmias proved no problem provided care was taken to avoid current flow pathways through the region of the myocardium. A-C electrocoagulation was found to have serious intrinsic complications manifested by rupture of the blood vessel wall.