Study to Find Out the Timing for the Optimal Imaging of Varicose Veins Using Infrared Thermography.

Patients who are having a Duplex ultrasound of their lower-limb veins for the assessment of varicose veins (primary or recurrent) and who have consented to participation in the study will be taken from the scanning room to the research room (within 20 meters).

The patient will be asked for their height and weight to enable BMI to be calculated. The patient will then lie down horizontally for 5 minutes on a bed in the research room. At the end of the 5 minutes, an IR image will be taken of the participant's lower limbs to ensure clearance of varicose veins.

The patient will then be asked to stand in front of an IR camera on a mat with marked positions for their feet on the floor in a position ensuring maximum surface area coverage of lower-limb varicose veins by the camera. The patient will stand still for a period of 3 minutes whilst the IR camera (HIKMICRO M10) takes a series of JPEG photos every 5 seconds. The position of the camera will be adjusted so that the top of the image is at the level of the hip, and the bottom of the image at the sole of the foot. Hence, the image size will be maximised to include the whole leg.

The first image will be taken immediately the patient stands and is in position, minimising any lag and aiming to be within 5 seconds of starting to move from the supine position. After 3 minutes, the patient will be able to sit down and then return to the consultation room.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing venous duplex ultrasound scan for suspected varicose veins (primary or recurrent).
• Able to stand still for 5 minutes.
• Able to get on to and off of the surgical couch unaided.
• Patient giving consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Refusing consent.
• Unable to get on a couch or stand unaided.
• Unable to stand still for 5 minutes.