Swann-Morton Cobbett Skin Graft Handle (Non-Sterile)

Additional information

Swann-Morton Cobbett Skin Graft Handle - Stainless Steel

The Skin Graft range is used in the surgical removal of a patch of healthy skin from one area of the patient's body which is then transplanted to another area where there has been extensive tissue loss. Skin grafts may be recommended for burns, specific surgeries that may require skin grafts for healing to occur and for areas of prior infection with extensive skin loss. They may also be used for cosmetic reasons during reconstructive surgeries.

The Cobbett Handle (1968 J. Cobbett) offered a solution to the drag whilst still preventing the skin rolling around the guard. The guard slides to and fro but does not rotate. The Braithwaite Handle was modified by cutting a "D" section instead of a circular hole in the a guard end of one of the cam levers and grinding a corresponding flat on the side of the end of the guard. The modified handle has little drag and no tendency for the skin to roll up on the guard.

The exact thickness of the graft can also depend upon:

1. The contact angle between the blade and skin whilst harvesting;
2. The pressure applied by the operator onto the handle whilst harvesting.

These are important aspects of skin grafting technique that need to be mastered to enable reproducibly consistent harvesting of high quality split thickness skin grafts.