Dermatome (instrument)

A dermatome is a surgical instrument for producing thin slices of skin from a donor area, for use in skin grafts. One of its main applications is for reconstituting skin areas damaged by third degree burns or trauma.

Dermatomes can be operated either manually or electrically. The first drum dermatomes, developed in the 1930s, were manually operated. Afterwards, dermatomes which were operated by air pressure, such as the Brown dermatome, achieved higher speed and precision. Electrical dermatomes are better for cutting out thinner and longer strips of skin with a more homogeneous thickness.