The CelluTomeTM Epidermal Harvesting System (Acelity) has recently been touted as a promising alternative to traditional skin grafting for chronic wounds, and can be performed without anaesthesia in the outpatient setting with minimal to no pain. A chronic wound is usually defined as any wound that has not healed for six weeks or more. Slow and prolonged wound healing may be due underlying disorders, such chronic venous insufficiency and diabetes mellitus (diabetic foot ulcer from microvascular disease), dermatological conditions (e.g. pyoderma gangrenosum and calciphylaxis) and peripheral arterial disease (i.e. critical ischaemia secondary to macrovascular disease). There is fairly little information in the literature detailing the use of CelluTome, specifically in peripheral arterial disease. Almost all articles focus on venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers (without mention of peripheral arterial disease) or trauma, with a very few exceptions. This article outlines our department’s first use of CelluTome in two patients with critical limb ischaemia, resulting in slow-healing foot wounds despite angioplasty and multiple cycles of vacuum dressings. Both experienced 100% graft takes with full wound closures. CelluTome appears effective in achieving rapid wound closure in patients with critical limb ischaemia.
