title: Does the relative silicone content of different syringes affect the stability of foam in sclerotherapy?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology/Cosmetic Laser Associates of La Jolla Inc, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Mitchel P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004304:Dosage Forms; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions; D012828:Silicones; D012981:Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate