What technique is used to control bleeding by applying electrical current?

Electrocoagulation is a technique that involves applying electrical current to tissue in order to control bleeding. This process uses high-frequency electrical energy to generate heat, which then causes the proteins in the tissue to denature and coagulate. By promoting clotting at the site of bleeding, electrocoagulation effectively seals blood vessels and reduces blood loss during surgical procedures.

In contrast, while electrosurgery similarly utilizes electrical current for a variety of surgical applications, it encompasses a broader range of techniques, including cutting and coagulating tissue. Ligation, on the other hand, involves the physical tying off of blood vessels with sutures or staples, which does not employ electrical energy. Cauterization refers to the process of burning or searing tissue to stop bleeding, but it can be achieved using heat from various sources, not exclusively electrical current. Therefore, electrocoagulation is specifically focused on the use of electrical current for hemostasis, making it the most accurate answer to the question.