Amerikanische Gesellschaft für Hirudotherapie

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy as an Artificial Leech to Save a Congestive Flap: Case Report

Case report published in Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open (2022)

Zuletzt aktualisiert: June 18, 2026Geprüft von: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportKlinische StudienArzneimittelentwicklungArdila MP et al. · Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2022

Abstract

Historically, patients with lower limb defects have represented a challenge for plastic surgeons because of their higher rate of complications. One of the main complications is venous congestion. Recently, various studies have suggested the use of negative pressure wound therapy as a salvage flap therapy, showing promising results. In this case report, we will outline the case of an elderly patient with different comorbidities in whom we used negative pressure wound therapy (as an artificial leech) to reverse venous congestion in the flap, with a satisfactory clinical outcome and without any more surgical procedures.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Zusammenfassung

Case report describing negative pressure wound therapy as an 'artificial leech' to reverse venous congestion in a lower-limb flap in an elderly comorbid patient, achieving satisfactory salvage without further surgery.

Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist

This case report describes the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as an 'artificial leech' to reverse venous congestion in a flap in an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities, achieving a satisfactory clinical outcome without further surgical procedures. The authors use 'artificial leech' as a descriptive metaphor for NPWT's role in addressing venous congestion. For ASH's domain, the abstract does not substantively discuss actual leech therapy, the leech secretome, or any comparison with hirudotherapy — the term appears solely as metaphorical framing. Caveat: This is a single case report involving no actual leeches or leech-derived substances; the connection to hirudotherapy is limited to the metaphorical use of the word 'leech' in the title and abstract.

Zitation

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy as an Artificial Leech to Save a Congestive Flap: Case Report.

Ardila MP et al. · Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2022

DOI

Verwandter klinischer Kontext

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

Clinical EvidenceClinical ApplicationsDrug PipelineDrug DevelopmentDirect Thrombin InhibitorsMicrosurgery OutcomesSurgeryChronic Venous InsufficiencyVenous DiseaseOtolaryngology

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