Mount Nittany Health Center for Wound Care is one of only a few locations in the nation to offer the CelluTome™ Epidermal Harvesting System for skin grafting (transplanting healthy skin). Unlike traditional skin harvesting, which removes a large area of healthy skin, the CelluTome System offers a more precise, minimally invasive option for epidermal harvesting.

The CelluTome System uses a tool lined with small holes. The tool warms up the skin and creates suction. The heat and suction lift healthy epidermis (the outermost layer of cells in the skin) from what is called the “harvesting site” (area containing healthy skin).

This is done without injuring blood vessels/nerves or otherwise damaging the harvesting site. The healthy epidermis is placed over the wound, and as soon as the new skin roots to the wound, the healing process begins.

Unlike traditional skin harvesting for split thickness skin grafts, which is typically performed in a hospital setting, harvesting epidermis with the CelluTome System is performed in an outpatient setting at the Center for Wound Care. The harvesting site typically heals within one to two weeks.