Parameter optimization and finite element simulation analysis of skin graft harvesting using an electric dermatome

Column skin transplantation is an innovative technique for repairing extensive burns and complex wounds, offering advantages such as theoretically unlimited donor areas and minimal donor site damage. Currently, manual trephination is the primary clinical method for skin harvesting, which suffers from low efficiency and inconsistent quality of the obtained skin cores. To improve efficiency and skin core quality, some researchers have attempted to introduce powered trephination. However, due to the inability to conduct direct human experiments with powered trephines, there is a lack of systematic quantitative data supporting the relationship between its key operational parameters and the response mechanisms of skin tissue, which hinders its practical application. This study combines finite element simulation and animal experiments. Using the ABAQUS/EXPLICIT platform, a three-dimensional multilayer finite element model of the skin was established to analyze the mechanical response and column-forming quality during the puncture process under different relative humidity levels (RH = 98%, 76%, 43%) and drill rotational speeds (V = 10, 30, 50, 70, 90 rad/s). Subsequently, pig skin, which closely resembles human skin in structure, was used for experimental validation. The results showed that smooth, regular, and nearly cylindrical skin columns could be obtained under optimal humidity and rotational speed conditions, facilitating the preservation of skin appendages and functional recovery after transplantation. This study provides a solid theoretical foundation and methodological support for the mechanical modeling and process parameter optimization of skin column extraction, contributing to the design of novel electric skin grafting devices, preoperative individualized assessments, and clinical application promotion. It holds significant clinical value and engineering implications.