DERMATOME, GOULIAN, manual, 180mm + 5 blades
Valid Article
Dermatome, Goulian
Definition
A hand-held manual surgical instrument designed to cut from the body (harvest) thin donor slices of skin for skin grafting, or to excise small skin lesions, using a dedicated insertable blade.
Synonym
Weck dermatome
Specifications
Technical specifications
BLADE HOLDER with gripping handle
- Austenitic steel
- Length: 180 mm
GRAFTING TEMPLATES
- 3 different ones: 0.2, 0.25 and 0.3 mm (graft's thickness, dept gauge)
BLADE
- martensitic stainless steel
- single edge blade
- non sterile (sterilize before use)
- for single use
- box of 5 blades supplied with the dermatome
Instructions for use
Single use blades are to be ordered separately. The blades have to be sterilized before use. Do not use blades intended for other dermatomes.
The functioning of all parts of the dermatome must be meticulously tested before each use as it determines the quality of the graft.
The dermatome must be sterilized by steam after each use. Assemble and dismantle the components with great care, without forcing.
Waste management
Immediately after use, dispose of the soiled blade into a sealed container. Get rid of in a sharp pit.
(Cf Public Health Engineering In Precarious Situations, MSF, 2010, Chapter 6)
MSF requirements
The Goulian dermatome is smaller and easier to use than the Watson/Humby model and it allows to take smaller grafts.
It can be used on a daily basis when smaller grafts have to be performed, procedures which do not justify the use of a expensive powered dermatome and a mesher.