Debridement of burn wounds with a water jet surgical tool.

A new instrument, the Versajet system, based on fluid jet technology has recently been advocated as an alternative to standard surgical excisional technique for burn wounds. In this paper we describe our experience with this tool, the technique employed as well as its clinical feasability for debriding partial thickness burn wounds. Seventeen patients were evaluated for clinical efficacy of debridement of their burn wounds using the Versajet system. Burn wound areas of between 0.5 and 5% total body surface (TBSA) involving the face, arm, hand, leg and foot underwent debridement using the Versajet system. The Versajet system was able to sufficiently debride superficial partial thickness and mid-dermal partial thickness wounds for subsequent placement of Biobrane. Deeper partial thickness wounds could be excised for successful autografting. The Versajet system demonstrated some particular advantage in the surgical treatment of superficial to mid-partial thickness burns in areas like the face, hand and foot which can often be difficult to reach and contour with conventional modalities.