Review of published information on foam sclerotherapy.
BACKGROUND
New data on foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins has been recently published.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the current treatment modalities and their effectiveness in use of foam sclerotherapy.


METHODS
Review of the recent literature regarding clinical treatment of varicose veins using foam sclerotherapy, with emphasis on safety and efficacy. RESULTS Foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein is more effective than liquid. Higher sclerosant concentrations tend to induce higher occlusion. Catheter-assisted sclerotherapy may further improve occlusion rates. To achieve adequate occlusion, vein diameter and volume of foam must be matched. If a critical foam volume is exceeded, the risk of deep venous thrombosis increases. Foam sclerotherapy offers the possibility of using lower sclerosant concentrations than with liquids. Foam sclerotherapy can also be used in venous malformations and periulcerous tributaries. Side effects are hyperpigmentation, skin necrosis, scotoma, and thromboembolic events. Thromboembolism prophylaxis is necessary only in patients with special risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Foam sclerotherapy has significantly better efficacy than liquid. It is essential to select the correct concentration and the correct foam volume. In the hands of an experienced physician, foam sclerotherapy is a safe and effective option for treating varicose veins.
Stücker
Markus
M
Department of Dermatology and Vascular Surgery, Vein Centre-Ruhr-University Bochum, St Maria-Hilf-Hospital, Bochum, Germany. m.stuecker@derma.de
Kobus
Stephan
S
Altmeyer
Peter
P
Reich-Schupke
Stefanie
S
D001458:Bandages; D002404:Catheterization; D006801:Humans; D045423:Microbubbles; D011677:Punctures; D012307:Risk Factors; D012501:Saphenous Vein; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D012597:Sclerosing Solutions