A novel infrared fluorescence method to identify regions of superficial microvenous reflux in patients with chronic venous disease

This study reports the first in vivo use of near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with indocyanine green to assess superficial microvenous reflux within intact limbs. This preliminary data suggests that the extent and distribution of skin fluorescence may be associated with venous disease severity (CEAP Clinical classification). It also provides potential mechanistic insight, identifying reflux patterns that appear to be functional correlates of venous incompetence. This study suggests that NIRF imaging could provide a novel tool for investigating microvenous contributions to chronic venous disease and its skin manifestations.