The Use of a Novel Full Thickness Skin Morcellation Device for Full Thickness Skin Grafting in Chronic Wounds

Introduction: Non-healing wounds can represent a significant clinical challenge. Autografting with freshly harvested minced full-thickness skin grafts can enhance healing but can also present technical challenges. We present the use of a novel skin morcellating device that morcellates full thickness skin with high viability which provides for the use of full thickness skin grafting for chronic wounds with a closed donor siteMethods: Four patients with long standing (4-16 weeks duration) chronic wounds that had failed standard of care were included in the study. Wound etiologies were post-surgical, post traumatic, and diabetic foot wounds. Under local anesthesia full thickness skin was harvested and processed using a novel mechanical skin morcellation device. These processed graft morsels were then placed into a prepared wound bed. The graft was then dressed with a non-adhesive compression dressing which was removed after 1 week. Wounds were then dressed with daily non-adhesive dressings and patients were followed post operatively and assessed for wound closure.Results: All wounds (100%) healed during the study period with healing times ranging from 3 weeks to 8 weeks. All donor sites healed spontaneously with no complications.Discussion: Full thickness skin that is mechanically morselized using a novel device designed to deliver high viability morselized full thickness skin grafts can be used to heal chronic wounds. Further studies are necessary to assess the healing potential of this device in various wound types.References: