Pathology of the superior mesenteric artery is by no means a medical rarity. Arteriosclerosis is the usual underlying cause, and the immediate emergency is the result of subsequent thrombotic or embolic occlusion. Occlusion of this artery is a highly fatal condition, resulting in massive gangrene of the midintestine, which less than 20% of the victims survive. Procedures which may improve this dismal outlook for patients with this condition are well worth considering. Three cases are herewith reported describing direct surgical attack on the superior mesenteric artery. Although one patient died as a result of complications, the surgical treatment of the artery was successful in each instance. Report of Cases Case 1. —A 65-year-old white man with a 15-year history of heart disease was admitted to the hospital, and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure with auricular fibrillation was correctly made and appropriate treatment was prescribed. A good response was obtained