The ThermPix device is a thermal imaging tool designed primarily for detecting and assessing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the legs. It provides non-invasive imaging that helps visualize heat patterns associated with blood flow abnormalities, enhancing diagnostic capabilities when used with ultrasound.

ThermPix complements traditional Doppler ultrasound by providing additional data through thermal imaging, which detects temperature variations that may indicate blood flow irregularities. While Doppler ultrasound is the gold standard for locating sites of venous insufficiency, ThermPix can reduce procedural time and may help identify affected areas faster.

Yes, ThermPix is completely non-invasive and uses infrared thermal imaging, which does not involve any radiation or direct contact with the skin, making it safe for repeated use.

ThermPix has shown promising results in improving detection rates when used alongside Doppler ultrasound. In control studies, it has been found to enhance accuracy by identifying additional sites of venous insufficiency that may not be as easily detected by ultrasound alone.

ThermPix provides a quick, non-invasive assessment that can reduce procedural time and improve diagnostic accuracy. By combining thermal imaging with ultrasound, it allows clinicians to better visualize and assess areas affected by venous insufficiency.

ThermPix is suitable for patients showing signs or symptoms of venous insufficiency in the legs. It can also be useful for follow-up assessments in patients with a history of CVI, as it aids in tracking changes in blood flow over time.

While the ThermPix device is user-friendly, some initial training is recommended for clinicians to ensure accurate interpretation of thermal imaging data. This training can be completed quickly and enables clinicians to maximize the device's diagnostic capabilities.

Yes, ThermPix is designed to be portable and easy to use, making it ideal for outpatient clinics, mobile health units, and even home visits if needed.

By enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the time required for assessments, ThermPix helps in earlier and more precise identification of venous insufficiency, leading to better-informed treatment plans and potentially improved patient outcomes.

Yes, ThermPix is compatible with most Doppler ultrasound systems. It is intended to be used alongside ultrasound imaging as a complementary tool.

ThermPix requires minimal maintenance. Regular calibration and software updates ensure optimal performance. Detailed guidelines for maintenance are provided to all purchasers.

Coverage may vary depending on the insurer and the specific clinical use of the ThermPix device. It’s recommended to consult with individual insurance providers regarding coverage policies for thermal imaging in the context of venous insufficiency diagnostics.

Our previously published data showed a sensitivity and specificity that was greater than 95% for clinically significant venous reflux. Ongoing studies are underway to reproduce those initial peer reviewed publications and we believe it will further validate initial studies. 

Thermal imaging signal of venous insufficiency is created by heat transfer from (hot, core temperature blood) refluxing and warming the skin over the vein directly beneath the skin. Deeper veins such as the GSV in the upper thigh are not seen as they are beneath the insulating subcutaneous tissue and adjacent to other deep structure also at core temperature. The thermal gradient approximately 7 degrees c is more than sufficient so even a relatively small amount of reflux becomes apparent. The fact that it has it’s origin typically at the SFJ means the reflux is continuous until the highest superficial vein and therefore is clinically relevant.  

Our current parameters for our AI detection mechanism uses 0.5 sec of reflux as its baseline. We expect a commercially available version of this AI tool (that correlates to the gold standard of Duplex Ultransography reflux of 0.5 sec of reflux to be released next quarter, 2025.

The original description of reflux duration of 0.5s is based on a false premise that the valves are slow to close (Van Bemmelen, Arch Surg 1990) allowing reflux. As in the response to your first question the reflux is transmitted down the leg, longer reflux being less physiologically important. Short reflux 1-3 s is more significant. Short duration high flow reflux will deliver ample heat energy and be obvious on thermal imaging. As the 0.5 s reflux has been adopted as the criterion for pathological reflux we have used this in our studies and both sensitivity and specificity are very high, as more evidence emerges we believe positive thermal images will provide better evidence of clinically (physiological) important reflux than a somewhat arbitrary reflux time which can be manipulated. Very long reflux (20s+), with slow flow and small diameter veins may not be clearly detectable on thermal, but similarly is unlikely to be physiologically important. In clinical practise this has not been an issue.

Almost any vein that is refluxing (and dilated) and near enough to the surface will show an abnormal temperature gradient. Non refluxing veins will not show up (at all) abnormal as the (there is no) heat gradient will be (between the vein and) skin temperature, not elevated from the deeper core reflux and thus thermographically silent. We can adjust ThermPix individually but the baseline settings are usually considered by most to be ideal for CVI. 

The thermal camera is already very sensitive,  0.1 c, if the temperature range is narrowed the thermal picture may look dramatic but does not in reality have any additional information or improve the sensitivity or specificity of the technique. Typically, the temperature difference between the skin over an incompetent superficial vein and adjacent skin is 2-3 c. The stored data contains all the point temperature information, approximately 150,000 data points.