American Society of Hirudotherapy

Single-vessel arteriovenous revascularization of the amputated ear

Case report and experimental animal study published in J Reconstr Microsurg (1999)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical LiteratureSafety & Infection ControlZamboni WA et al. · J Reconstr Microsurg, 1999

Abstract

Successful single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of a completely amputated human ear is described. This result was followed by an experimental study using a rabbit model, to confirm that an amputated ear could survive replantation with only a single arteriovenous anastomosis. Fifteen animals were placed in one of two experimental groups: Group 1-arteriovenous replantation, no treatment (n = 6); and Group 2-arteriovenous replantation with medicinal leeching (n = 9). All ears demonstrated initial reperfusion of the replantation immediately following microanastomosis. Laser Doppler flow readings in the non-leeched replanted ears fell to zero by 8 hr and, by 12 hr, the non-leeched ears demonstrated signs of necrosis. All the leeched, replanted ears demonstrated perfusion and complete viability at the time of sacrifice. The case report, combined with the results from the experimental study, confirm that single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of an amputated ear is feasible.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAdultAmputation, TraumaticAnimalsArteriovenous Shunt, SurgicalBlood Vessel Prosthesis ImplantationDisease Models, AnimalEarEstheticsFollow-Up StudiesHumansMaleRabbitsRegional Blood FlowReplantationTreatment Outcome

Summary

Case report describes successful single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of a fully amputated human ear. A rabbit study found leeched ears stayed perfused and viable while untreated ears developed necrosis, supporting feasibility of single-anastomosis ear replantation.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report details a successful single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of an amputated human ear, followed by an experimental study using a rabbit model. In the experimental phase, researchers compared replanted ears with and without the application of medicinal leeching. They found that all leeched ears maintained complete viability and perfusion, whereas non-leeched ears lost perfusion and demonstrated signs of necrosis. This study is highly relevant to the American Society of Hirudotherapy as it directly experimentally demonstrates the efficacy of medicinal leeching in improving tissue survival following complex microsurgical replantation. The primary limitation is that the experimental evidence is derived from an animal model combined with a single human case report.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Zamboni WA, Lozano DD, Vitkus K, Roth AC, Stephenson LL, Kenneaster D, et al. Single-vessel arteriovenous revascularization of the amputated ear. J Reconstr Microsurg. 1999;15(1):9-13. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1000064. PMID: 10025524

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

DOIPubMed

Added to ASH library: May 27, 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.