Abstract: A surgical saw and method for cauterizing tissue, especially bone tissue, substantially immediately after the tissue is cut. The saw preferably includes a body portion defining a handle. A saw blade extends from the body portion of the saw and defines a cutting surface. A cauterizing element is fixed for movement with the saw and generally trails the cutting surface of the saw blade when the saw is moved in a cutting direction. The cauterizing element may be disposed on at least a portion of the saw blade. The saw may also comprise a blade guard and a cauterizing element may optionally be disposed on the blade guard. The cauterizing element may be activated simultaneously with activation of the saw blade.