Background <p>Spring coil migration is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and a rare, delayed complication of arterial embolization. There is no consensus on the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding due to coil migration. We present the case of a 70-year-old Chinese male who experienced duodenal ulcer bleeding caused by coil migration and recovered well after undergoing open surgery.</p> Case presentation <p>A 70-year-old Chinese male was admitted to the department of gastroenterology with complaints of hematemesis and melena, followed by a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. The final diagnosis was gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to a fistula between a hepatic aneurysm and a duodenal bulb ulcer, precipitated by spring coil migration. The patient underwent surgical repair of the duodenal fistula, resection of the common hepatic artery, and ligation of the celiac trunk. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, with complete resolution of symptoms, including vomiting and melena.</p> Conclusion <p>Coil displacement is a rare but potentially serious complication following aneurysm embolization. Currently, there is no standardized treatment protocol for this condition. Multidisciplinary decision-making facilitates open surgery in cases of life-threatening hemorrhage.</p>