A novel three-dimensional infrared imager for study of the vascular network so as to cause blood vessels to be visualized for accurate subcutaneous puncture during insertion of a hypodermic needle. The invention uses the properties of near infrared light as it is absorbed and reflected by the human body, allowing the user to visualize the tissues a few millimeters in depth from the skin's surface. The use of infrared light permits the manipulation of the acquired information to a grade of sensed visualization, which is impossible to reach with visible light. The invention imitates the human three-dimensional perception by use of a stereoscopic infrared viewer, and is designed to be user friendly, allowing the health care professional to work in his usual manner. A double image is superimposed on the viewer and the user wears blue-red eyeglasses to create the three-dimensional image from the double image on the viewer. With the depth perception provided by the three-dimensional image, the user can accurately penetrate the vein on the initial attempt, thereby lowering the fear of venous punture and causing the patient to be at ease, while lowering the incidence of medical complications associated with inaccurate puncture. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a liquid crystal display (LCD) mounted in a frame is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus. Sensitive, charge-coupled devices are provided which develop images and deliver them to a microprocessor which synchronizes the images and allows the user to manipulate the images as desired, controlling effects such as brightness, contrast, sharpness and edge enhancement. In another embodiment, the inventive imaging system incorporates the use of a contrast agent to enhance the image and allow for study of the vascular system. In yet another embodiment, the imaging system incorporates the use of a coherent source of light, such as an infrared laser.