Patent ID: 6230046
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A system for enhancing the visualization of veins, arteries and other subcutaneous natural or foreign structures in the body, comprising:(a) a light source for illuminating a portion of the body in at least one of a reflection mode and a transillumination mode;(b) at least one low level light detection means for detecting low light levels having spectral characteristics defined by the relative light absorption properties of subcutaneous structures within said portion of the body, said low light levels reflected from or transmitted through said portion of the body, and for generating an image of subcutaneous structures within said portion of the body, and means for displaying said image; and(c) wherein said at least one low level light detection means includes a device selected from the group consisting of an image intensifier tube, a photomultiplier tube, a photodiode and a charge coupled device.