SOBER Dermatome
The ability to cut a split-thickness skin graft free-handedly has been regarded as a skill acquired only by long experience. Several devices have been improvised to simplify this task.
However, the size and elaborate arrangements of dermatomes often preclude their use, especially if the need is in an emergency room, a clinic or at the patient’s bedside. Besides sophisticated dermatomes are costly and more adequate for harvesting larger skin grafts. In co-operation with the Dutch surgeon dr. Willem Nugteren, Humeca developed a new dermatome for freehanded harvesting of a 30 mm (1¼ in.) wide split skin graft with a pre-determined thickness of about 0.25 mm (0.001 in.).
The new product is called the “Sober” dermatome, from an English translation of the phonetic Dutch last name of the inventor, dr. Nugteren. Based on his experience with surgery in third world countries, it became clear that a portable, economical and simple, yet efficient dermatome would be a very useful mechanical tool for skin grafting. As can be seen from the picture, the shape of the Sober dermatome was derived from a safety razor. The dermatome is held firmly against the tautly held skin at a pre-determined angle and a graft of the desired length is quickly cut. No lateral movements are required. Humeca suplies special low cost blades for this dermatome.
The picture on the lefts hows the donorsites on the upper leg of a child in Tanzania. In this case a split skin graft was harvested with the razor dermatome from which the new Sober dermatome was derived. We think the Sober dermatome and blade breaking device offer the surgeon a low-cost alternative to the more elaborate mechanical dermatomes whenever small grafts are needed. Due to its robust construction, low price and wide availability of blades, we expect it to be very suitable for use in third world countries.
The SOBER dermatome is supplied as a set in a small suitcase consisting of the dermatome with an integrated key, an extra key and a box with 10 sterile blades (see picture below).
