In arterial or venous hemorrhages of the upper gastrointestinal tract, pharmacotherapy and catheter embolization are alternative methods if conservative treatment proves ineffective and surgery offers no prospect of success. A stop in the acute arterial or venous hemorrhage from the upper gastrointestinal tract -- even though only temporary in most instances - may thus be achieved. The choice of one of the two methods and the result depends on the location of the hemorrhage, the age of the patient and the coagulation qualities of the blood. Experience in this respect is quite new, experience which - in spite of all criticism - justifies a modest amount of optimism particularly in view of the desparate situations one is frequently confronted with in acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage.