The effect of the calibre and length of needle on the stability of sclerosing foam

Abstract

Objectives Little is known how calibre and length of needles affect the stability of sclerosing foam. Methods Foams were made of 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 3% polidocanol, and 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), which were mixed with air in the proportion of 4:1. These foams were ejected through needles with the length of: 4 mm, 6 mm and 13 mm, and diameter of: 0.26 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm. Results Foams made of more concentrated polidocanol were more stable. Regarding STS an opposite relationship was revealed. Foams made of polidocanol were more stable if ejected through a longer needle, while the length of needle did not significantly affect stability of STS foams. Foams ejected through 0.26 mm diameter needles were very unstable. In the case of 0.5% polidocanol, 0.3x6mm needle provided atypically stable foam. Conclusion In order to inject maximally stable foam, calibre and length of needle should be taken into account.

Effect of catheter needle caliber on polidocanol foam stability in foam sclerotherapy

“…Skuła et al ( 6 ) conducted a commendable study on the influence of needle caliber on foam stability, shedding light on the significant impact of needle caliber and length. A meticulous examination revealed that both the needle caliber and length play a role in determining foam stability.…”

“…Foam sclerotherapy is a safe and effective therapeutic option for hemorrhoids ( 4 ). In foam sclerotherapy, achieving a stable sclerosant foam for optimal results is crucial because poor foam stability can potentially result in serious complications ( 5 , 6 ). Blisters, paradoxical embolism, orbital compartment syndrome, and transient weakness of the facial nerve branch are complications that can arise when treating head and neck VMs ( 7 ).…”

“…Once the sclerosant foam is prepared, the foam should be promptly injected into the veins affected by VMs, either through a syringe needle or with a catheter needle, which is mostly used for treating large VMs ( 16 ). It has been observed that foam stability varies depending on the caliber of the needle through which it is injected ( 6 ). However, the influence of the needle catheter caliber on foam stability remains unclear.…”

The Effect of Pushing Rate on Foam Stability in the Tessari Method

“…2,3 In foam sclerotherapy, achieving stable sclerosant foam is crucial for optimal results, as poor foam stability can lead to serious complications. 4,5 To achieve improved therapeutic outcomes, it is necessary to attain the utmost stability of the sclerosant foam. 6 The most commonly used technique to create sclerosant foam is the Tessari method, in which the agent is combined with air.…”