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An electric dermatome is a powered surgical device used to remove a thin, controlled layer of skin. It is most often used to harvest split-thickness skin grafts from a donor site. The device has a motor-driven blade that moves rapidly to create an even sheet of skin. Electric dermatomes are used by trained surgical teams in sterile settings.
read more about electric dermatome ...An electric dermatome is used when a skin graft is needed to cover a wound, burn, surgical defect, or area of skin loss. It helps harvest skin from a donor site on the patient’s body. The graft can then be placed over the prepared wound area. The thickness and size of the graft depend on the wound, donor site, and surgical plan.
The dermatome blade oscillates or moves rapidly while the surgeon guides the device across the donor site. A thickness setting helps control how deep the blade cuts. The harvested skin is lifted as a thin sheet and may be meshed or trimmed before placement. Smooth movement, correct angle, and proper tension help create an even graft.
An electric dermatome may include a motorized handpiece, blade, blade guard, thickness control, width plates, power cord or battery, and sterile accessories. Some systems use disposable blades, while the handpiece may be reusable after approved reprocessing. Width plates help determine graft size. All parts must be assembled and checked before use.
Possible risks include bleeding, uneven graft thickness, donor-site pain, infection, scarring, delayed healing, or graft failure. Dull blades, wrong settings, poor angle, or excessive pressure can affect graft quality and patient safety. The donor site needs dressing care and monitoring while it heals. Fever, spreading redness, heavy bleeding, worsening pain, odor, or drainage should be reported promptly.
Yes. It is commonly used to harvest split-thickness skin grafts from a donor site.
It is usually used for split-thickness grafts, which remove part of the skin thickness. The setting depends on the surgical plan.
Yes. It is a surgical instrument used on the donor skin site during a procedure with anesthesia or pain control.
Many blades are single-use, while handpieces may be reusable after proper cleaning and sterilization. Follow product labeling and facility policy.
Split-Thickness Skin Grafts. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551561/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Wound Grafts. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564382/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Evolution of instruments for harvest of the skin grafts. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3745118/. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG). Iowa Head and Neck Protocols. https://iowaprotocols.medicine.uiowa.edu/protocols/split-thickness-skin-graft-stsg. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Split thickness skin graft. University of Iowa EyeRounds. https://webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eyeforum/video/plastics/1/Split-thickness-skin-graft.htm. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.