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 Electrocautery or thermal cautery is a procedure that uses heat from an electric current (direct or alternating current) to destroy abnormal cell masses. It is often used to achieve hemostasis (control bleeding during surgery) or after an injury. The electrode is placed on or near the tissue to be treated and the heat generated from the tip of the electrode can be used to burn or destroy the target tissue.

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Electrocautery is a safe procedure. It does not involve passing the current through the patient. Hence, it can be safely used in patients with implanted electrical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, and deep-brain stimulators.