Search research articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

The return of the leech.

A M Abdelgabar¹, B K Bhowmick

¹Department of Elderly Medicine, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, Humberside.

International Journal of Clinical Practice

|March 29, 2003

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Comparative analysis of human masculinity.

Genetics and molecular research : GMR·2006

Same author

Antiphospholipid syndrome and dystonia-parkinsonism: need for anticoagulation.

Parkinsonism & related disorders·2002

Same author

Chronic subdural haematoma in the elderly.

Postgraduate medical journal·2002

Same author

Accuracy of diagnosis in patients with presumed Parkinson's disease.

Age and ageing·1999

Same author

Continuing medical education in Wales: a survey of geriatricians.

Age and ageing·1997

Same author

The quality of diagnostic coding in cerebrovascular disease.

International journal for quality in health care : journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care·1995

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) offer therapeutic benefits, particularly in microsurgery for venous congestion. Their saliva contains hirudin, an anticoagulant with potential for treating thromboembolic disease, though bacterial infections are a risk.

Area of Science:

Biomedical Science
Medical History
Pharmacology

Background:

Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) have a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Current applications are primarily in reconstructive surgery to address venous congestion in tissue grafts.
Leech saliva contains hirudin, a potent anticoagulant.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the historical and current therapeutic applications of medicinal leeches.
To explore the potential of hirudin in managing thromboembolic diseases.
To highlight the importance of careful application and potential complications.

Main Methods:

Literature review of historical medical practices involving leeches.
Analysis of scientific studies on leech saliva components, particularly hirudin.

Related Experiment Videos

Examination of clinical case reports and guidelines regarding leech therapy.

Main Results:

Leeches are effective in salvaging compromised tissue flaps and skin grafts due to venous congestion.
Hirudin's anticoagulant properties suggest potential for treating and preventing thromboembolic conditions.
Bacterial infections represent a significant risk associated with leech application.

Conclusions:

Medicinal leech therapy remains valuable in specific surgical contexts.
Hirudin holds promise for broader anticoagulant applications.
Strict protocols are essential to mitigate infection risks during leech treatment.