WHAT ADVANTAGES DO FOAMS HAVE OVER OTHER FORMS OF SCLEROSIS?
The foam is obtained using the same substances used in conventional sclerosis. Normally a “shaking or beating” system is employed to obtain very small bubbles, similar to those of shaving cream, depending on the substance used.
The major advantage is that the foam becomes much more effective When mixed, 2 cc of sclerosant turns into 30 cc of foam, thus increasing contact due to the increased superficial pressure of the sclerosant. Smaller amounts of the drug can treat more veins and in a much more efficient manner. Today we can confidently say that this type of sclerosis plus foam has replaced other forms of sclerotherapy with clear advantages.
The Achilles tendon of sclerotherapy is not to induce a complete fibrosis of the treated vein so that it can recanalise at long term.
In cryosclerosis the syringe containing the sclerosant is refrigerated in a cylinder previously filled with nitrous oxide. Given their low cryoscopic grade, sclerosants can be injected at nearly -40°C causing the irritation of the venous endothelium. This method excels conventional liquid sclerosis and nowadays its best indication is in the sclerotherapy of varicules and telangiectasias.