Researchers Developed Non-Contact Blood Flow Scanner
Virginia Commonwealth University has created an infrared device designed to visually confirm perfusion in limbs.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Stroke
Live Poll
Do you believe new medical imaging technologies significantly improve long-term outcomes for patients with chronic conditions?
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have developed a non-contact, dye-free infrared blood flow scanner known as NIROS. The technology uses LED light sources to measure blood flow without relying on radiation or ionizing energy.
Why it matters
The device aims to provide clinicians with a reliable method to visually confirm tissue perfusion during surgeries. This innovation addresses a significant clinical gap in assessing blood flow in limbs.
The device operates using LED light sources at wavelengths of 682 and 826 nanometers to measure blood flow. The peripheral artery disease market, which this technology targets, is estimated to be worth between $7 to 10 billion.
The players
Virginia Commonwealth University
This public research university in Richmond serves as the primary hub for the development of the NIROS technology.
Florida International University
This institution conducted the initial research on diabetic foot ulcers that formed the foundation for the current scanner technology.
The details
The scanner works by capturing diffuse reflectance near-infrared signals from tissues. By inducing vasoconstriction, the system performs spatiotemporal mapping to accurately measure oxygenation flow.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The research team released an update on the development status of the NIROS device.
Health Landscape
The development of this scanner reflects a broader shift toward non-invasive diagnostic tools that reduce reliance on ionizing energy in clinical settings. It aligns with industry efforts to provide more reliable perfusion assessment in a growing peripheral artery disease market.
This technology could provide patients with safer, non-invasive alternatives for monitoring limb blood flow during and after surgical procedures. By eliminating the need for dyes or radiation, it may streamline diagnostic routines and reduce clinical risks.
The takeaway
The move toward infrared-based diagnostics represents a significant evolution in surgical monitoring technology. Future iterations of this scanner will focus on meeting strict regulatory requirements to ensure safe clinical deployment.
Further reading
For more information on innovations in vascular assessment, visit the Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Optics.
Live Poll
Do you believe new medical imaging technologies significantly improve long-term outcomes for patients with chronic conditions?
