Vein imaging: a new method of near infrared imaging, where a processed image is projected onto the skin for the enhancement of vein treatment.

BACKGROUND

A new noninvasive vein imaging device initially developed for phlebotomy has been tested for the first time for vein treatment. This unique device captures a near infrared vein image, processes it, and projects it onto the skin using green light.

OBJECTIVE

To perform the first clinical tests of the device in phlebology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pilot study on 23 subjects with varicose veins and telangiectasias was performed. The VeinViewer prototype (V-V-P; Luminetx Corp., Memphis, TN) was tested in five situations: diagnosing feeder veins with the V-V-P, comparison between the V-V-P and ultrasound, marking varicose veins with or without the device, phlebectomy using the V-V-P, and the use of laser and sclerotherapy guided by the V-V-P.

RESULTS

One hundred percent of subjects had feeder veins identified by the V-V-P. The ultrasound machine detected fewer feeder veins than the V-V-P, and the device identified more veins than the naked eye in all subjects. The V-V-P could help in finding feeder veins during phlebectomy and in guiding laser and sclerotherapy treatments.

CONCLUSION

The device could identify veins that were invisible to the naked eye and too shallow for ultrasound detection. The V-V-P may help find feeder veins and may also help various types of vein treatments.