Objective To test the effectiveness of a device designed to promote decongestion and tissue
survival of a fasciocutaneous flap during 15 hours of complete venous obstruction. Methods …

After the developments of modern medicine, leeches were not used as before, but in the late
nineteenth century, leeches were still being used in many countries around the world. Until …

This study compares the effectiveness of alleviating venous congestion with mechanically‐
made outlets or leech therapy in promoting skin flap survival. Free flaps of abdominal skin …

A universal protocol determining the number of leeches and their application time does not
exist. The aim of this study, therefore, is to quantify perfusion dynamics in venous congested …

The therapeutic use of leeches in medicine dates back to 50 bc and was cited by ancient
authors. The medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, has been used with increasing frequency …

Medical leech therapy, which has a history of thousands of years, is still the subject of many
scientific studies today. These studies have shown that medicinal leech therapy has …

Introduction Venous convulsion after reconstructive microsurgery procedures is one major
complication a surgeon has to deal with. Today, especially in the field of reconstructive …

Since 1992, neurocutaneus flaps have been used successfully in lower leg reconstruction.
These flaps can be designed in orthograde or retrograde fashion. Obtaining one-step …

Background Leech therapy in plastic/reconstructive microsurgery significantly improves a
successful outcome of flap salvage but the drawback is a risk of severe infection that results …

Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are commonly used in plastic surgery for the salvage
of congested flaps and replanted parts compromised by venous congestion. Infection …