By what mechanism do leeches help to salvage ischaemic tissues? A review

The therapeutic use of leeches in medicine dates back to 50 b.c. and was cited by ancient authors. The medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, has been used with increasing frequency during the past few years by reconstructive surgeons to help salvage ischaemic tissues. We aim to summarise the anatomy, physiology, and pharmacological mechanisms of action of leeches to provide reconstructive surgeons with a theoretical basis for their use. (c) 2004 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.