American Society of Hirudotherapy

Improving Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease With Hirudotherapy

Research article published in Cureus (2021)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsAfify O, Alkhouri S, Lauder N · Cureus, 2021

Abstract

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Critical limb ischemia is a complication of PAD that leads to severe pain at rest, numbness, and absent or diminished pulses in the legs or feet. Revascularization with surgery or endovascular intervention is required to re-establish blood flow to the affected areas. Failure to respond to medical and/or surgical treatment can lead to amputations. The decision to amputate one's limb can be very challenging. Here, we report a patient with critical limb ischemia who refused a below-the-knee amputation and self-treated with medicinal leech therapy, or hirudotherapy. His symptoms including his pain, burning, and numbness improved significantly following six months of therapy.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Summary

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Critical limb ischemia is a complication of PAD that leads to severe pain at rest, numbness, and absent or diminished pulses in the legs or feet.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a patient with critical limb ischemia from peripheral artery disease who refused a recommended below-the-knee amputation and self-treated with medicinal leech therapy over six months. The authors report that the patient's pain, burning, and numbness improved significantly following this treatment. This report is directly relevant to hirudotherapy as it documents symptomatic outcomes of leech therapy in a limb ischemia context where amputation had been recommended and declined. However, as a single case report of patient self-administered therapy, it provides limited anecdotal evidence and cannot establish efficacy, safety, or generalizability of hirudotherapy for critical limb ischemia or peripheral artery disease.

Citation

Improving Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease With Hirudotherapy.

Afify O, Alkhouri S, Lauder N · Cureus, 2021

DOI

Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.