Patent Description:
Dermatomes are devices used for cutting skin tissue to obtain skin grafts for transplantation. Typically, a dermatome has a vibrating or oscillating blade attached to a front end of a main body, which pushes the cutting blade in front of it like a reverse cheese slicer. The oscillation of the blade in a reciprocating side-to-side motion to create a slicing action can be powered either by an electric motor or compressed air. The dermatome currently dominant on the market is of such a design and made by Zimmer Inc. , see e.g. <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

Known disclosures of a blade assembly for conventional dermatomes are shown in <CIT> and <CIT> which both disclose a single blade mounted on a blade carrier arranged to be secured to a dermatome.

Recent studies have shown that improved results in skin grafting can be achieved by taking multiple thin skin grafts from the same donor site, so-called laminated grafts, instead of the conventional split-thickness of full-thickness skin grafts. According to this technique, the top skin layer (epidermis) is not cut off, but replaced to the original location at the donor site to close the wound after harvesting and allowed to heal again. This leads to substantially reduced healing problems and scarring will be significantly less, i.e. improved results at the donor site.

The second, and possibly third and fourth, layer(s) that is harvested will contain substantially more dermis components, which both provide better mechanical properties at the receiving area, but also contributes more stem cells, which have a higher long-term healing potential as they can divide more times and give rise to new cells than the more superficially located skin cells in the epidermis. This or these layer(s) is/are then used on the injured area. Possibly, the harvested skin layers also contain hair follicles and sebaceous gland cells, which improve the cosmetic appearance of the healed skin long-term and additionally obviates the need for daily rubbing or moisturising the transplanted skin surfaces, as is the case with conventional skin transplants. <CIT> discloses a novel dermatome comprising multiple blades for simultaneously cutting separate skin grafts at different depths from a donor site.

One problem associated with combining this new technique of cutting multiple skin grafts with conventional dermatomes is that the drive mechanism to oscillate the blade is commonly located in the centre of the head in the form of a drive pin which extends through the blade assembly. As such, there is a risk that the drive pin interferes with or blocks passage of one or more of the cut skin grafts onto respective specially designed collection surfaces of the dermatome.

Hence, there is a need to further develop improved devices and implements for harvesting laminated skin transplants.

An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved device which enables simultaneous cutting of separate skin grafts at different depths from a donor site. This objective is achieved by providing a dermatome blade assembly according to the invention as defined in claim <NUM>. The dermatome blade assembly comprising: at least two blades, each including a cutting edge, a rear edge spaced from the cutting edge, and two side edges joining the cutting edge and the rear edge, wherein at least one of the blades comprises at least one throughgoing aperture; and a blade carrier including a main body extending in a transverse direction and means for connecting each of the at least two blades to the blade carrier; wherein the blade carrier comprises a recess arranged to receive a drive pin of a dermatome such that oscillating motion of the drive pin causes reciprocating motion of the dermatome blade assembly.

By means of the dermatome blade assembly, it is possible to connect two or more dermatome blades to the same blade carrier, directly or indirectly. The blade carrier in turn is arranged to be driven by the drive mechanism of a dermatome. Thereby, the reciprocating motion of the blade carrier is conveyed to the at least two blades which enables simultaneous cutting of skin grafts by each of the blades.

In one embodiment, blade connecting means extend from the main body in alignment with the at least one aperture on at least one of the blades, wherein the blade connecting means are arranged to be engaged with said at least one aperture for connecting said least one blade to the blade carrier. The blade connecting means engaged with the aperture provides a simple and reliable connection between the blade and the blade carrier which enables transmitting the transverse reciprocating motion from the blade carrier to the blade.

In one embodiment, the blade connecting means of the blade carrier are in alignment with apertures on each of the at least two blades, wherein the blade connecting means are arranged to be engaged with the respective apertures on each of the at least two blades for connecting each of the at least two blades to the blade carrier. This configuration allows for a direct connection of each of the blades to the blade carrier.

In one embodiment, the at least one blade connecting portion comprises at least one projection arranged to be received in the through-going aperture on each of the at least two blades. The projections allow for a simple, compact and reliable connection between the blades and the blade carrier when the dermatome blade assembly is mounted on a dermatome.

In one embodiment, at least one of the blades is integrally formed with or joined to the blade carrier by means of an adhesive, welding, crimping, moulding, soldering, brazing, or a combination thereof. In this way, a compact, preformed configuration for the connection between the blade and the blade carrier is achieved, requiring fewer assembly steps.

In one embodiment, the dermatome blade assembly further comprises at least one spacer element arranged to be mounted to the dermatome blade assembly in a position between each of the at least two blades to regulate a thickness of a skin graft cut by one of the at least two blades. The spacer element ensures that the thickness of the skin graft cut by lower blade(s) is limited to a desirable thickness instead of taking up all the available space between adjacent blades. Preferably, the dimensions of the spacer element may be varied in accordance with the desired thickness of the skin grafts to be cut. Preferably, the spacer element is adjustable.

In one embodiment, a first, upper blade is arranged offset from a second, lower blade in a cutting direction of the dermatome blade assembly. The offset configuration allows the blades to be brought into action in a staggered manner and enables the operator to maintain the position and inclination of the dermatome during the harvesting operation.

In one embodiment, the recess of the blade carrier is a slot or a through-going aperture arranged in a central position on the main body. The shape of the recess may be adapted to the design of the drive mechanism of the dermatome such that the drive pin is accommodated in the recess in an optimal manner for driving the dermatome blade assembly.

In one embodiment, each of the at least two blades are attached to a bottom side of the blade carrier. This configuration of the blades is adapted to dermatomes of the type having a dedicated space in the head of the main body for accommodating the blade carrier. Dermatomes manufactured by e.g. Nouvag AG are examples of such dermatomes.

In an alternative embodiment, at least a first, upper blade is attached to a top side of the blade carrier and at least a second, lower blade is attached to a bottom side of the blade carrier. This configuration offers a compact solution adapted to dermatomes of the type without a dedicated space in the head of the main body for accommodating the blade carrier. Dermatomes manufactured by e.g. Zimmer Surgical, Inc. are examples of such dermatomes.

In one embodiment, the dermatome blade assembly further comprises at least one intermediate plate, arranged between each of the at least two blades of the dermatome blade assembly and one bottom plate arranged below the lowermost blade of the dermatome blade assembly. The intermediate and bottom plates make up the surrounding structure of the dermatome blade assembly such that only the cutting edges of the two or more blades are exposed. The remaining parts of the blades are protected by the plates whilst allowing for reciprocating motion there within.

In one embodiment, a forward-facing lower surface of the at least one intermediate plate and the bottom plate comprises a central recess, wherein an extension of the recess in the transverse direction is shorter on the bottom plate than on the at least one intermediate plate. By providing a recess of smaller width in the bottom plate, the cutting width of the associated blade is limited such that this blade will not cut into the edges of the groove formed by the preceding blade.

In one embodiment, the recess in the at least one intermediate plate extends from a front end to a rear end of the at least one intermediate plate to form a cavity arranged to allow passage of a skin graft cut by a blade arranged below the at least one intermediate plate. This solution ensures that the cut skin graft by the lower blade(s) can be collected.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a dermatome comprising a dermatome blade assembly according to claim <NUM>.

In the following, a detailed description of a dermatome blade assembly according to the present disclosure is presented. In the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures. It will be appreciated that these figures are for illustration only and do not in any way restrict the scope of the invention.

In <FIG>, there is shown an exemplary dermatome <NUM> comprising a dermatome blade assembly <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure mounted thereon. As mentioned above, the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> may be adapted to the type of dermatome with which it is intended to be used. The dermatome <NUM> shown in <FIG> should therefore not be construed as limiting in any way, but merely seen as one example, among others.

The dermatome <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM> with a head portion <NUM> connected to a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may in turn be connected to an external power source (not shown) to oscillate the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> via a suitable drive mechanism. Alternatively, a motor may be accommodated within the head portion <NUM> for a standalone dermatome device. Further, the dermatome <NUM> comprises a thickness regulator in the form of an adjustable bracket <NUM> mounted on the head portion which may be adjusted by means of a wheel <NUM> on the side of the head portion. The bracket <NUM> regulates the thickness of the skin graft through variation of the space between the bracket <NUM> and a collection surface <NUM> on the front end of the head portion <NUM>. Typically, the thickness may be regulated in an interval of <NUM>-<NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in an exploded view below the head portion <NUM> of the dermatome <NUM> to better illustrate the individual components. From top to bottom in <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown a blade carrier <NUM>, a first blade <NUM>, an intermediate plate <NUM>, a spacer element <NUM>, a second blade <NUM> and a bottom plate <NUM>. Additionally, a pair of blade connecting means <NUM> according to one embodiment are shown, to connect the blades <NUM>; <NUM> to the blade carrier <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, blade carrier <NUM> has a main body <NUM> which extends in a transverse direction, perpendicular to the cutting direction of the dermatome. On opposite ends of the main body <NUM>, blade connecting means <NUM> extend downwardly from the main body <NUM>. In one embodiment, the blade connecting means comprises a cylindrical projection <NUM> which may be formed integrally with or separate from the main body <NUM>. Optionally, the cylindrical projection <NUM> may be tubular and a pin or screw (not shown) may be inserted through the tubular projection for connecting the blades <NUM>; <NUM> to the blade carrier <NUM>. The first, upper blade <NUM> has been omitted in <FIG> for clarity, but should be thought of as being arranged between the blade carrier <NUM> and the intermediate plate <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Other suitable cross-sectional shapes of the projections <NUM> are also encompassed in the present disclosure. Preferably, the blade carrier <NUM> is manufactured from a suitable plastic material with appropriate characteristics (lightweight, sufficiently rigid) to be used in conjunction with a dermatome. However, other medically acceptable materials such as metals or composites are also encompassed in the present disclosure.

Located centrally on the main body <NUM>, on the side facing away from the blade connecting means <NUM>, there is arranged a recess <NUM>. In one embodiment, the recess <NUM> is shaped like a slot or fork with two leg portions <NUM> extending from the main body <NUM> and arranged to receive a drive pin of the drive mechanism of the dermatome <NUM>. For instance, the drive pin may be arranged eccentrically in relation to a rotation axis such that the rotational motion of the drive pin is translated to a linear reciprocating motion of the blade carrier <NUM>. The main body <NUM> of the blade carrier <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to be accommodated in a space in the head portion <NUM> of the dermatome <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>, to allow for the reciprocating motion of the blade carrier <NUM>.

The blades <NUM>; <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are conventional, rectangular metal blades as known in the art with a cutting front edge <NUM>; <NUM>, a rear edge <NUM>; <NUM> spaced from the cutting edge and two side edges <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM> joining the cutting edge <NUM>; <NUM> and the rear edge <NUM>; <NUM>. The first, upper blade <NUM> has been omitted in Figs. 3a-3b for improved clarity, but it is understood the dermatome blade assembly includes at least two blades. Other shapes of the blades <NUM>; <NUM> are also foreseen within the scope of the present disclosure.

Each blade <NUM>; <NUM> comprises at least one throughgoing aperture <NUM>; <NUM>, which may be located adjacent each of the side edges <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, between the cutting edge <NUM>; <NUM> and the rear edge <NUM>; <NUM>, so as not to interfere with or block the central portion of the blade <NUM>; <NUM>. However, at least on the first, upper blade <NUM>, other positions along the length of the blade <NUM> may also be foreseen within the scope of the present disclosure. In the present example, the first blade <NUM> has one aperture <NUM> near each side edge <NUM>, <NUM> whereas the second blade <NUM> has two apertures <NUM> adjacent each side edge <NUM>; <NUM>. The additional apertures on the second blade <NUM> allow for an offset or staggered configuration of the blades <NUM>; <NUM>, as will be further explained below. The apertures <NUM>; <NUM> may be circular to fit the cylindrical projections <NUM> of the blade carrier <NUM>. In one embodiment, at least one of the apertures <NUM>; <NUM> has an oval shape to allow a certain play between the projection <NUM> and the aperture <NUM>; <NUM>. Other suitable shapes of the apertures <NUM>; <NUM> are also are also encompassed in the present disclosure.

Alternatively, the first, upper blade <NUM> may be attached or fastened to the blade carrier <NUM> using any suitable means, e.g. adhesive, welding, crimping, moulding, soldering, brazing etc. Such a configuration may be preformed to facilitate mounting of the dermatome blade assembly to the dermatome, reducing the number of steps. As an alternative, the blade <NUM> may be integrally formed with the blade carrier <NUM>.

When attaching or mounting the blades <NUM>; <NUM> on the blade carrier <NUM>, the blade connecting means <NUM> are aligned with the apertures <NUM>; <NUM> on each of the blades <NUM>; <NUM> and brought into engagement therewith. To this end, there is provided an intermediate plate <NUM> to be positioned between the two blades <NUM>; <NUM>, and a bottom plate <NUM> to be positioned beneath the second blade <NUM>. As will be understood, embodiments comprising three or more blades will similarly be provided with two or more intermediate plates, one positioned between adjacent blades of the dermatome blade assembly. The intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> are fastened to the head portion <NUM> of the dermatome <NUM>, e.g. by means of screws (not shown), to form a surrounding structure for the dermatome blade assembly <NUM>.

The upper and/or lower surfaces of the intermediate plate <NUM> and bottom plate <NUM> facing the respective blades are machined to form indentations in the surface to accommodate the blades <NUM>; <NUM> and allow the reciprocating motion when the plates <NUM>; <NUM> are fastened tightly together. The intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> also comprise lateral fully or partially cut-out portions <NUM>; <NUM>, respectively, aligned with the projections <NUM> of the blade carrier <NUM> to allow the reciprocating motion of the blade carrier <NUM> in relation to the intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>. The forward-facing lower surface <NUM>; <NUM> of the intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> is bevelled to provide an inclined working position of the dermatome <NUM> in order to minimise the area of contact with the skin and reduce friction. To this end, the length from the front to the rear end of the bottom plate <NUM> is adapted to the end point of the bevelled surface <NUM> on the intermediate plate <NUM> to create a smooth transition of the bevelled surfaces <NUM>; <NUM>, as may be seen more clearly in <FIG>.

As mentioned above, an offset configuration of the blades <NUM>; <NUM> on the blade carrier <NUM> is used in conjunction with the bevelled surfaces <NUM>; <NUM> of the intermediate plate <NUM> and bottom plate <NUM>. To this end, the projections <NUM> of the blade carrier <NUM> are aligned with the apertures <NUM> on the first, upper blade, which are located adjacent the rear edge <NUM>, and the front apertures <NUM> of the second, lower blade <NUM>, which are located adjacent the cutting edge <NUM>.

Additionally, the central portion of the forward-facing lower surface of each of the intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM>; <NUM> which delimits the cutting width of the dermatome <NUM>. Different intermediate and bottom plates may have recesses <NUM>; <NUM> of different widths to provide varying cutting widths by exchanging the plates. Preferably, the width of the recess <NUM> in the bottom plate <NUM> is smaller than the recess <NUM> in the intermediate plate <NUM>. This is to ensure that the cutting action of the second, lower blade <NUM> is limited to a smaller width than the groove cut by the first, upper blade <NUM>, i.e. the second blade will not cut into the edges of the groove. In this way, the second skin graft cut by the second blade <NUM> will be contained to the dermis layer of the skin to achieve a skin graft with the desired optimal properties as described above.

The recess <NUM>; <NUM> may be inclined at an angle equal to or different from the bevelled forward-facing lower surfaces <NUM>; <NUM>. On the bottom plate <NUM>, the central recess <NUM> is limited to the front portion of the lower surface, adjacent the bevelled surfaces <NUM>. However, the skin graft cut by the second, lower blade <NUM> needs to pass between the intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM>. To this end, the central recess <NUM> in the lower surface of the intermediate plate <NUM> extends the entire length of the intermediate plate <NUM>, from the front to the rear, to form a cavity which allows passage of the cut skin graft there through. The height of this central recess <NUM> delimits the available space, and thus, the thickness of the skin graft cut by the second, lower blade <NUM>.

In order to regulate the thickness of the skin graft cut by the second, lower blade <NUM>, there is provided a spacer element <NUM> arranged to be positioned in the central recess <NUM> of the intermediate plate <NUM> when the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> is mounted on a dermatome <NUM>. The spacer element <NUM> extends over the full width of the central recess <NUM> and may be secured to the intermediate plate <NUM> by means of any suitable fasteners, such as e.g. screws. Different spacer elements <NUM> may have different shapes and/or dimensions to provide different thicknesses of the cut skin grafts by exchanging the spacer element <NUM>. The forward-facing surface of the spacer element <NUM> may be shaped to promote passage of the skin graft, e.g. bevelled or rounded.

In one embodiment, the spacer element <NUM> is adjustable to regulate the available height of the central recess <NUM>. This may be achieved by means of e.g. springs in the mounting between the spacer element <NUM> and the intermediate plate <NUM> and an actuating element.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> is shown in an assembled state, ready to be mounted on the head portion <NUM> of the dermatome <NUM>. In this view, it may be seen that the cut-out portions <NUM>; <NUM> form a slot for receiving the projections <NUM> of the blade carrier <NUM> extending through the apertures <NUM>; <NUM> in the blades <NUM>; <NUM>, and allowing the transverse reciprocating motion of the blade carrier <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a second embodiment of a dermatome blade assembly <NUM> according to the present disclosure. Identical or similar features to the ones disclosed in conjunction with the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> according to the first embodiment, have corresponding reference signs beginning with the numeral "<NUM>" instead of "<NUM>". Similar to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> comprises a blade carrier <NUM>, a first blade <NUM>, an intermediate plate <NUM>, a spacer element <NUM>, a second blade <NUM> and a bottom plate <NUM>. The blade carrier <NUM> differs from the blade carrier <NUM> in that the blade connecting means <NUM> comprise ledges <NUM> on opposite ends of the main body <NUM> extending in a forward direction. This configuration allows for a more compact dermatome blade assembly <NUM>, suitable to be used with dermatomes which do not have a space for accommodating the blade carrier <NUM>. It is understood that the blade connecting means <NUM> may extend in a rearward direction as an alternative within the scope of the present disclosure.

On an upward-facing surface of the ledges <NUM>, there is provided a projection <NUM> which is arranged to be brought into engagement with the apertures <NUM> in the first, upper blade <NUM>. The upward-facing surface of the ledges <NUM> may be slightly indented in relation to an upper surface of the main body <NUM>, corresponding to the thickness of the blade <NUM>, such that the upper surface of the blade <NUM> is substantially flush with the main <NUM> body of the blade carrier <NUM> when resting on the ledges <NUM>. As may be seen in <FIG>, the first, upper blade <NUM> is mounted to the blade carrier <NUM> from above, whereas the second, lower blade <NUM> is mounted from below. To this end, blade connecting means in the form of projections (not shown) similar to the projections <NUM> are provided on a downward-facing side of the blade carrier <NUM>, which engage with the apertures <NUM> in the second, lower blade <NUM>.

Located centrally on the main body <NUM> there is arranged a recess <NUM>. In one embodiment, the recess <NUM> comprises a throughgoing aperture arranged to receive a drive pin of the drive mechanism of the dermatome <NUM>. For instance, the drive pin may be driven in a transverse reciprocating motion in relation to the dermatome, which is then translated to the blade carrier <NUM> via the throughgoing aperture <NUM>.

The blades <NUM>; <NUM> shown in <FIG> are similar to the blades <NUM>; <NUM> discussed in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG> above. Other shapes of the blades <NUM>; <NUM> are also foreseen within the scope of the present disclosure. Each blade <NUM>; <NUM> comprises at least one throughgoing aperture <NUM>; <NUM> located adjacent each of the side edges <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, between the cutting edge <NUM>; <NUM> and the rear edge <NUM>; <NUM>. In the present example, the first blade <NUM> has one aperture <NUM> near each side edge <NUM>, <NUM> whereas the second blade <NUM> has two apertures <NUM> adjacent each side edge <NUM>; <NUM>. The additional apertures on the second blade <NUM> allow for an offset or staggered configuration of the blades <NUM>; <NUM>, as will be further explained below. The apertures <NUM>; <NUM> may be circular to fit the cylindrical projections <NUM> of the blade carrier <NUM>. In one embodiment, at least one of the apertures <NUM>; <NUM> has an oval shape to allow a certain play between the projection <NUM> and the aperture <NUM>; <NUM>. Other suitable shapes of the apertures <NUM>; <NUM> are also encompassed in the present disclosure.

When attaching or mounting the blades <NUM>; <NUM> on the blade carrier <NUM>, the blade connecting means <NUM> are aligned with the apertures <NUM>; <NUM> on each of the blades <NUM>; <NUM> and brought into engagement therewith. To this end, there is provided an intermediate plate <NUM> to be positioned between the two blades <NUM>; <NUM>, and a bottom plate <NUM> to be positioned beneath the second blade <NUM>. As will be understood, embodiments comprising three or more blades will similarly be provided with two or more intermediate plates, one positioned between adjacent blades of the dermatome blade assembly. The intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> are fastened to the head portion of a suitable dermatome, e.g. by means of screws (not shown), to form a surrounding structure for the dermatome blade assembly <NUM>.

The upper and/or lower surfaces of the intermediate plate <NUM> and bottom plate <NUM> facing the respective blades are machined to form indentations in the surface to accommodate the blades <NUM>; <NUM> and allow the reciprocating motion when the plates <NUM>; <NUM> are fastened tightly together. The intermediate plate <NUM> also comprises a central fully cut-out portion <NUM>, arranged to receive the blade carrier <NUM> therein and to allow the reciprocating motion of the blade carrier <NUM> in relation to the intermediate plate <NUM>. As explained above, this embodiment is suitable to be used with dermatomes which do not have a space to accommodate the blade carrier <NUM>.

The bottom plate <NUM> comprises a transverse groove <NUM> arranged to receive the downward-facing projections of the blade carrier <NUM> to allow the reciprocating motion thereof.

The forward-facing lower surface <NUM>; <NUM> of the intermediate plate <NUM> and the bottom plate <NUM> is bevelled to provide an inclined working position of the dermatome in order to minimise the area of contact with the skin and reduce friction. To this end, the length from the front to the rear end of the bottom plate <NUM> is adapted to the end point of the bevelled surface <NUM> on the intermediate plate <NUM> to create a smooth transition of the bevelled surfaces <NUM>; <NUM>.

As mentioned above, an offset configuration of the blades <NUM>; <NUM> on the blade carrier <NUM> is used in conjunction with the bevelled surfaces <NUM>; <NUM> of the intermediate plate <NUM> and bottom plate <NUM>. To this end, the upper projections <NUM> of the blade carrier <NUM> are aligned with the apertures <NUM> on the first, upper blade, which are located adjacent the rear edge <NUM>, and the lower projections (not shown) engage with the front apertures <NUM> of the second, lower blade <NUM>, which are located adjacent the cutting edge <NUM>.

In one embodiment, it is foreseen that the blade carrier <NUM> is directly connected only to the first, upper blade <NUM> via the upper projections <NUM>. The first blade <NUM> is then in turn connected to the second blade <NUM> via separate connecting means through the apertures <NUM>; <NUM>. In this case, the reciprocating motion of the drive pin is transmitted to the blade carrier <NUM>, which drives the first blade <NUM>, which in turn drives the second blade <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the dermatome blade assembly <NUM> is shown in an assembled state, ready to be mounted on the head portion of a suitable dermatome.

Preferred embodiments of a dermatome blade assembly have been disclosed above. However, a person skilled in the art realises that this can be varied within the scope of the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A dermatome blade assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
at least two blades (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>), each including a cutting edge (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>), a rear edge (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) spaced from the cutting edge, and two side edges (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) joining the cutting edge and the rear edge, wherein at least one of the blades comprises at least one throughgoing aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a blade carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) including a main body (<NUM>; <NUM>) extending in a transverse direction and means for connecting each of the at least two blades to the blade carrier;
wherein the blade carrier comprises a recess (<NUM>; <NUM>) arranged to receive a drive pin of a dermatome such that oscillating motion of the drive pin causes reciprocating motion of the dermatome blade assembly.