polidocanol + sodium tetradecyl sulphate (Imperial College London)

Polidocanol and sodium tetradecyl sulphate are sclerosing agents used in the treatment of varicose veins and telangiectasias. This specific entry refers to their use within the One Stop Vein Clinic (OSVeC) pilot study led by Imperial College London, which evaluates a same-day diagnosis and treatment model. Both agents function as detergents; when injected into a vein (often as a foam), they disrupt the lipid bilayer of endothelial cells, causing rapid cell death and exposing the subendothelial layers. This process triggers a localized thrombotic response that eventually leads to the replacement of the vein with a fibrous cord (sclerosis), effectively removing the varicose vein from circulation.

Brand names

AscleraSotradecolFibro-VeinAethoxysklerol

Other names

Foam sclerotherapy