Subcutaneous veins depth estimation method using Monte Carlo simulations

Subcutaneous veins localization is basic and important step for any intravenous medication administration. Due to different physiological characteristics, mainly darker skin tone, scars or dehydrated condition of patients, medical staff face difficulty in veins localization. Through near infrared imaging technology the veins can be visualized due to high contrast between veins and skin tissue in this modality. Information on the depth of veins is equally important for proper catheterization or venipuncture procedures. Patients have different veins depth due to the different amount of fat present in the subcutaneous layer. The depth of veins from the skin surface cannot be estimated by simple imaging technique. In this paper a mathematical model to estimate the depth of veins based on measured diffused reflectance is presented. A layered model of Monte Carlo simulations for light transport in turbid medium was used to validate the results.