Cutting The Graft - Zimmer Biomet Electric Dermatome Instruction Manual

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Place the throttle in the SAFE position. To place the dermatome in the SAFE position, slide the
safety lock on the throttle toward the blade end of the instrument to the SAFE position. Only the
word SAFE should be visible.
•
Using a screwdriver, loosen width plate screws approximately two turns. Do not remove screws
from handpiece.
•
Place a new blade in slot on the handpiece. If replacing a blade, remove the used blade before
inserting a new one. Refer to BLADE REMOVAL section.
• Mate the drive pin with the hole in the blade. Note: "INSERT WITH THIS SIDE UP" message.
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Lubrication of the blade is not necessary because the backing of the blade is a self-lubricating
plastic.
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Choose proper width plate to satisfy cutting requirements. Place width plate over blade and
tighten screws. Do not overtighten. Ensure the printing on the width plate is facing out. (See Fig.
5.)

CUTTING THE GRAFT

• Skin should be prepared in routine manner.
• It is not necessary to lubricate the skin; however, lubricating the donor site with sterile mineral oil may
ease travel of the Zimmer Electric Dermatome.
• Set control lever adjustment knob pointer to desired graft thickness. Factory calibrations indicate 0.002
in. (0.050 mm). Do not insert any instrument between the blade and the control lever as this may damage
or knick the blade causing a poor cut. Further, it may compromise the calibration of the instrument. (See
Fig. 8.)
• Hold the handpiece on the donor site at a 30° – 45° angle. (See Fig. 10, 11.)
• To activate the dermatome, place the power supply in the ON (I) position. Lift the throttle lever and slide
the safety lock back from the SAFE position toward the hose coupling. The word ON should be visible.
(See Fig. 9.) For optimum results, it is recommended that the dermatome operate at full speed. To ensure
that full speed is achieved, completely depress the throttle control with the safety lock in the ON position.
• Depress the throttle to start the cut. Guide the unit forward using a slight downward pressure to ensure
that the cutting edge remains continuously firmly in contact with the donor site.
• Two methods of graft removal from the instrument may be used:
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Method I