The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1369261
after an in-depth consultation with a patient, followed by a confirming ultrasound of the leg — the area most people find they have vein issues. Now, when Elias suspects a patient in his office has some kind of vein insufficiency, he whips out his iPad or cell phone — both of which have a thermal camera built into them — and takes a picture of his patient. "If someone has a vein problem, where there is a lot more blood accumulating on the surface of the skin, those areas will show up hotter than the surrounding skin," Elias said. Faster, less invasive and less expensive than an ultrasound, the utilization of thermal imaging to confirm vein disease has totally streamlined Elias's diagnostic process. He's trying to spread the word to patients across north Jersey. "Twice a year in the spring and fall we run free vein screenings at Englewood Health. We've been doing this for 15 years. Typically, it would only consist of me speaking with patients about their symptoms and examining their legs. This year we will also be offering free thermal imaging," Elias said. Elias explained that patients might consider coming to get vein screening if they have visible veins, — like bulging varicose veins or spider veins — a stubborn wound by their ankle that is not healing on its own, or if they have a history of blood clots and are now experiencing leg swelling. "Almost anything we offer patients by way of treatment for vein problems is outpatient, same-day procedures with minimal discomfort the next day," Elias said. "And, yes, it's nice to face a patient and tell them there's an easy solution to their problem." V U E N J .C O M 156