What surgical technique uses heat to control bleeding?

The surgical technique that uses heat to control bleeding is electrocoagulation. This method involves passing an electrical current through tissue, which generates heat and causes coagulation. The heat denatures proteins in the blood, which leads to clot formation and subsequent cessation of bleeding. This technique is commonly used in various surgical procedures because it is effective in sealing blood vessels and minimizing blood loss.

Cauterization is a related concept but is generally broader; it refers to the process of burning or searing tissue to stop bleeding or to remove abnormal growths. While cauterization also involves the application of heat, electrocoagulation is specifically characterized by the use of electrical current to achieve thermal effects.

Hemostasis refers to the physiological process of stopping bleeding, which requires measures to control blood loss, but it does not specifically define a technique that uses heat.

Ligation is a technique that involves tying off a blood vessel to prevent bleeding. While ligation is a direct method to control bleeding, it does not involve heat.

Thus, electrocoagulation is the most precise term for the technique that applies heat to control bleeding, making it the correct answer.