A system and method for providing enhanced ultrasound images for accessing a vasculature of a patient is disclosed. The system includes an ultrasound imaging device including a probe with a light detector disposed at a distal end thereof. A medical device includes an infrared emitter disposed a distal tip thereof. The emitter provides infrared light that illuminates surrounding tissue. Reflected light is detected and interpreted based on the profile of absorbance spectra which can be used to identify different tissue structures. This light-based information is superimposed on an ultrasound image of the vessel to facilitate first-stick access of patient vasculature.
