How to measure the leg volume with a 3D Scanner in a vascular environment. Our experience with Peel3D Handyscan®

Background: Volume quantification with existing limb volumetry methods is difficult, either tedious or inaccurate and difficult to repeat. Our aim is to describe and validate a new technique for limb volumetry using the new technology of 3D surface scanning. Design and methods: A new 3D surface scanning device (3D Handyscan from Creaform®) was used to quickly and accurately measure limb volumes. Targets were placed on the limbs to facilitate scanning and to provide reproducible slice planes for reliable volumetry. This paper details the methodology used: device setup, target positioning, scanning technique, slice plane selection and volume calculation. Results: The accuracy of the measurements is 0.4% of limb volume. The inter- and intra-observer reproducibility is 0.5%. Conclusion: This new technique of limb volumetry is faster and more accurate than the other techniques and easily repeatable to assess the evolution and treatment of edema and lymphedema.