Does the relative silicone content of different syringes affect the stability of foam in sclerotherapy?
BACKGROUND
Sclerotherapy has become the gold standard in the treatment of varicose veins. Foam sclerosing solution with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) is one of the most popular agents used. This study examined the possibility that relative silicone content of different syringes may affect the overall foam stability.


METHODS
A double-syringe system (DSS) technique to make sclerosing foam (STS 0.5% and air) was applied. Four different brands of syringes were tested. The time required for half of the original volume of sclerosing solution to settle was recorded.


RESULTS
The time for the sclerosing solution to settle to half of its initial volume varied with each brand of syringes.


CONCLUSIONS
The type of syringe used in the DSS technique to produce foam for sclerotherapy is a determinant of foam stability. Whether this will affect the result of sclerotherapy requires further investigation.
Lai
Stephanie W
SW
Dermatology/Cosmetic Laser Associates of La Jolla Inc, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Goldman
Mitchel P
MP
D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004355:Drug Stability; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000737:chemistry*; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D012828:Silicones; D012981:Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate / Q000737:chemistry*; D013594:Syringes
D004304:Dosage Forms; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions; D012828:Silicones; D012981:Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate