A new releasable balloon catheter was developed which has a soluble joint connecting the balloon and the catheter. The joint is made from a polyvinyl alcohol tube and has two electrodes. When a high frequency electrical current is activated, the resulting heat causes the joint to disappear within one second. The type of generator used in the experiment was an Aesculap GK-34. This catheter was used for embolization of carotid-jugular fistulas in dogs.