What is used to create the foam in foam sclerotherapy?

Is the foam a separate ingredient? What are the chances of an allergic reaction?

Answers from doctors (6)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 11, 2010

Foam is formed by mixing the sclerosing solution with air or CO2 in a 4 to 1 ratio. Sclerosing solutions that can be foamed are called detergents.Allergic reactions are extremely uncommon.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Foam is formed by mixing the sclerosing solution with air or CO2 in a 4 to 1 ratio. Sclerosing solutions that can be foamed are called detergents.Allergic reactions are extremely uncommon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 25, 2009

Foam is created by combining a sclerosing agent with air or gas. It is just like the foam soaps that are available. In fact, the sclerosing agents that create foam are detergents (safe to inject though). Allergies are very rare.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Foam is created by combining a sclerosing agent with air or gas. It is just like the foam soaps that are available. In fact, the sclerosing agents that create foam are detergents (safe to inject though). Allergies are very rare.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 25, 2009

Foam is created when a sclerossant is mixed with air or gas. Typically, room air is mixed with the solution to create the foam. This technique is very safe when done properly. The risk of any type of allergic reaction is due to the solution being used, not the air. Allergies to sclerotherapy solution are very rare.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Foam is created when a sclerossant is mixed with air or gas. Typically, room air is mixed with the solution to create the foam. This technique is very safe when done properly. The risk of any type of allergic reaction is due to the solution being used, not the air. Allergies to sclerotherapy solution are very rare.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Nov 25, 2009

Foam is created when a sclerossant is mixed with air or gas. Typically, room air is mixed with the solution to create the foam. This technique is very safe when done properly. The risk of any type of allergic reaction is due to the solution being used, not the air. Allergies to sclerotherapy solution are very rare.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

Foam is created when a sclerossant is mixed with air or gas. Typically, room air is mixed with the solution to create the foam. This technique is very safe when done properly. The risk of any type of allergic reaction is due to the solution being used, not the air. Allergies to sclerotherapy solution are very rare.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 24, 2009

The sclerosing agent (solution) is mixed with air, that is what creates the "foamed solution".

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

The sclerosing agent (solution) is mixed with air, that is what creates the "foamed solution".

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Nov 23, 2009

Since the main medications used in sclerotherapy of varicose veins have been detergent based, and foam can be made form detergent, the path toward development of foam sclerotherapy into varicose veins was paved. About 28 years years ago foam was born in Italy, by few pioneer phlebologists. Making foam for sclerotherapy is easy, but proper use of foam requires vast experience and knowledge which majority of physicians lack. Unfortunately, still many physicians see the practice of phlebology as a side work, and hesitate getting proper training. Hopefully that will change, and the medical community will recognize this field as a specialty field. To make foam for sclerotherapy, you need to mix a small volume of liquid (detergent based medications) and small volume of air rapidly through a small valve connecting two chambers (such as syringes). Then by rapid back
and forth movement between the syringes, foam is made, which lasts only few second (at low concentrations) and up to a minute (at high concentrations . Of course depending on the concentration of used detergent, the ratio of volume between air and liquid varies. In low concentrations less air can be used. As the concentration of detergent increases , more air can be used. For example when 3% Sotradecol is used, the ration can be one part liquid to 3 or even 4 parts air.

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Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Since the main medications used in sclerotherapy of varicose veins have been detergent based, and foam can be made form detergent, the path toward development of foam sclerotherapy into varicose veins was paved. About 28 years years ago foam was born in Italy, by few pioneer phlebologists. Making foam for sclerotherapy is easy, but proper use of foam requires vast experience and knowledge which majority of physicians lack. Unfortunately, still many physicians see the practice of phlebology as a side work, and hesitate getting proper training. Hopefully that will change, and the medical community will recognize this field as a specialty field. To make foam for sclerotherapy, you need to mix a small volume of liquid (detergent based medications) and small volume of air rapidly through a small valve connecting two chambers (such as syringes). Then by rapid back
and forth movement between the syringes, foam is made, which lasts only few second (at low concentrations) and up to a minute (at high concentrations . Of course depending on the concentration of used detergent, the ratio of volume between air and liquid varies. In low concentrations less air can be used. As the concentration of detergent increases , more air can be used. For example when 3% Sotradecol is used, the ration can be one part liquid to 3 or even 4 parts air.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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