METHOD AND DERMATOME FOR TRANSPLANTING SKIN Russian patent published in 1995 - IPC

FIELD: medicine. SUBSTANCE: method involves moistening donor skin area with, for instance, distilled water, heating dermatome applicator of preselected size to at least 150 C temperature, its cooling to at least -15 C temperature, making contact of the applicator with the donor zone and its shifting upward together with the skin, cutting off a skin layer of prescribed thickness with electric knife at least 150 C temperature, moving the applicator together with the skin layer onto the recipient surface, heating the applicator to at least 30 C and separating the skin and the applicator. Dermatome has the applicator made in form of cylindric sector having a device for its moving about its axle and a vessel with cooling agent and heaters. The device has casing with contour follower connected with the applicator by means of heat insulating insert and with U-shaped holder by means of spring-loaded lever and axle. Indentations engageable with the contour follower are made on the holder legs. Micrometric screw is mounted on the lever. Knife made in form of wire is mounted between the holder legs. Heaters are connected with the electronic control unit and are placed in the applicator in through canals having crosspieces made in form of heat bridges. EFFECT: enhanced effectiveness of plastic skin operations. 5 cl, 3 dwg