Development of a custom optical imaging system for non-invasive monitoring and delineation of lower limb varicose veins using hyperspectral imaging and quantitative phase analysis.

BACKGROUND: Varicose veins (VV) are a prevalent chronic venous disorder, particularly affecting women of childbearing age. This condition is associated with significant complications, including pain, discomfort, leg cramps, ulceration, reduced quality of life, absenteeism, and even mortality. This study aims to develop a custom non-invasive, non-contact optical imaging system combined with magnitude and phase image calculation to monitor and visualize varicose veins and their tributaries using hyperspectral imaging and quantitative phase analysis with a k-means clustering algorithm.

RESULTS: Ten volunteers participated in the optical imaging system study. They were exposed to a polychromatic light source spanning the wavelength range of 400 nm-950 nm. The diffuse reflection spectra for varicose veins exhibited a peak at 530 nm, while leg veins showed a peak at 780 nm. Hyperspectral images obtained at these specific wavelengths were normalized in order to homogenize the spectral signatures of each pixel (converting the hyperspectral image to 8 bit RGB image) and filtered using a moving average filter. Subsequently, the varicose veins and leg veins were delineated and detected using quantitative phase analysis and a k-means clustering algorithm.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the custom optical imaging system, utilizing hyperspectral imaging and the associated clustering algorithm, provides detailed information regarding the spatial distribution of varicose veins. This information can assist vascular physicians in facilitating easier diagnosis and treatment planning.