title: Polidocanol for endovenous microfoam sclerosant therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polidocanol is a liquid surfactant having endothelial cell lytic properties. In the form of a controlled, dispensed microfoam it is administered endovenously as a sclerosing agent in the treatment of varicose veins.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This review summarizes efficacy of polidocanol endovenous microfoam sclerotherapy using a proprietary dispensing system to control foam characteristics and gas content for treating varicose veins.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed in vitro, Phase I, Phase II and limited Phase III data for polidocanol microfoam with a focus on controlled foam formulation in therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical trials of controlled dispensing of polidocanol microfoam provide evidence of effective treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with low toxicity, minimal risk and few complications.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, 331 John Morgan Building/6112, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4215, USA. eckmanndm@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Eckmann
mesh_terms: D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000628:therapy; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D004304:Dosage Forms; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions; D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols