Use of the mechanical leech for successful zone I replantation
Case series published in TheScientificWorldJournal (2014)
Abstract
Replantation of zone I finger injuries remains a challenge, particularly if the fingertip was previously scarred or atrophied, which makes it difficult to secure a suitable vein at the amputation site. In cases of artery-only anastomosis, we propose using a mechanical leech technique to maintain sufficient venous outflow until the internal circulation regenerates. We applied this procedure to eight patients who had zone 1 amputations without veins that were suitable for anastomosis. Emergent surgery was performed and an artery-only anastomosis was created. As there were no veins available, we cut a branch of the central artery and anastomosed it with a 24-gauge angioneedle, which served as a conduit for venous drainage. The overall survival rate for zone I replantation using mechanical leech was 87.5% and the average time to maintain the mechanical leech was 5 days. The mechanical leech technique may serve as an alternative option for the management of venous congestion when no viable veins are available.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Eight patients with zone I fingertip amputations underwent artery-only replantation with a 24-gauge angioneedle serving as a venous-drainage conduit. Overall survival was 87.5% with a mean 5 days of mechanical leech use.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio describe una técnica de 'sanguijuela mecánica' empleada en 8 pacientes con amputaciones de dedo en zona I en los que no se disponía de venas adecuadas para anastomosis. La técnica consistió en crear una anastomosis únicamente arterial y utilizar una aguja angiográfica de calibre 24 conectada a una rama de la arteria central como conducto para el drenaje venoso, mantenida durante una media de 5 días. La tasa de supervivencia global reportada fue del 87,5%. Para ASH, esto resulta relevante de forma conceptual pero no directa: el término 'sanguijuela mecánica' alude a un dispositivo quirúrgico diseñado para replicar la función de descongestión venosa de las sanguijuelas medicinales, pero no se utilizaron sanguijuelas reales ni sustancias derivadas de sanguijuelas. La relevancia para ASH se limita al objetivo terapéutico compartido de manejar la congestión venosa, y el estudio no involucra hirudoterapia ni el secretoma de la sanguijuela.
Citación
Use of the mechanical leech for successful zone I replantation.
Kim SW, Han HH, Jung SN · TheScientificWorldJournal, 2014
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 26, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026