Objective To investigate a new way for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods The clinical data of 59 cases of SAP were analyzed, and they were divided into two groups: LAI group and control group. In LAI group, 30 cases were treated mainly by local arterial infusion (LAI). In control group, 29 cases were treated by intravenous infusion. Results Compared with control group, the results of LAI group were much better in abdominal pain relief, recovery of intestinal function, reducing the complications, shorter antibiotictime, decreasing the incidence of secondary systemic infection. The mortality of SAP class Ⅱ in LAI group and control group were 35.71% and 66.67% respectively. Conclusion LAI is a new way for the treatment of SAP.