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)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board

Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference

Evidence: Case reportEnsayos clínicosDesarrollo de fármacosArdila 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

Resumen

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.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

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.

Citación

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

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Clinical Evidence Clinical Applications Drug Pipeline Drug Development Direct Thrombin Inhibitors Microsurgery Outcomes Surgery Chronic Venous Insufficiency Venous Disease Otolaryngology

Aviso legal — investigación y educación

La información en esta página se proporciona únicamente con fines educativos e informativos y no constituye asesoramiento médico, diagnóstico o recomendaciones de tratamiento. Los resúmenes de evidencia clínica reflejan la literatura publicada revisada por pares y no implican eficacia terapéutica fuera de los contextos autorizados por la FDA.

La autorización FDA 510(k) para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas. Las aplicaciones en investigación y fuera de indicación se identifican como tales. Los profesionales deben consultar las directrices vigentes de la FDA, los protocolos institucionales y las normativas estatales aplicables antes del uso clínico.

ASH apoya la evaluación rigurosa basada en evidencia de todas las aplicaciones de hirudoterapia mediante ensayos clínicos controlados e investigación revisada por pares.

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026