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The procedure
The procedure
The aim of this procedure is to use radiofrequency (heat) energy to stop the bleeding by destroying the enlarged blood vessels. The patient is usually conscious but sedated during the procedure. An endoscope (a thin flexible tube with a camera on the end) and an electrode are passed through the mouth and into the patient's stomach. The electrode delivers pulses of heat to the affected blood vessels, which destroys them. Repeat treatment sessions can be done after a few weeks; normally 2 or 3 sessions are needed.