foam sclerosant

Foam sclerosant is a formulation used in sclerotherapy for the treatment of varicose veins and venous malformations. It consists of a liquid sclerosing agent (such as polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate) mixed with gas (air or carbon dioxide) to create a stable foam. When injected into diseased veins, the foam displaces blood and comes into direct contact with the vein wall, causing endothelial damage, protein denaturation, sterile inflammation, and subsequent fibrosis. This process leads to closure and eventual resorption of the treated vein. Foam formulations are more effective than liquid forms for larger veins due to prolonged contact time with vessel walls and reduced dilution by blood flow[1][5][7]. The technique is minimally invasive and widely used as an alternative or adjunct to surgery for varicose veins[1][5]. Commonly used active ingredients include polidocanol (lauromacrogol 400) and sodium tetradecyl sulfate[1][8].

Brand names

Varithena

Other names

泡沫硬化剂foam sclerosing agentsclerosant foam