Foam sclerotherapy

Foam sclerotherapy employs a sclerosant foam to inject into the varicose vein

This state-of-the-art endovenous therapy has revolutionised the treatment of varicose veins. While sclerotherapy with liquid sclerosant is the treatment of choice for spider veins and reticular varicose veins, foam sclerotherapy is particularly suitable for larger varicose veins of the side branch and trunk veins. According to the guidelines of the German Society of Phlebology, foam sclerotherapy is a good alternative to surgery, laser therapy, and radiofrequency ablation therapy.

Foam sclerotherapy employs foam instead of a liquid sclerosant to inject into the vein. Immediately before treatment, the doctor produces foam from the tried-and-tested liquid sclerosant containing polidocanol (lauromacrogol 400) as active substance. Sclerotherapy with sclerosant foam is carried out under ultrasound guidance, so that the doctor can clearly see the varicose veins and the distribution of the foam in the vein. The sclerosant foam is injected directly into the varicose veins, where it sticks the vein walls together strongly (obliteration and sclerosis). Unlike treatment with liquid sclerosant, the foam is not diluted with blood or carried away as quickly in larger veins. This is especially important in large varicose veins, as it allows the foam to act longer on the vein wall.

The body gradually breaks down the obliterated veins over the following weeks, ideally without leaving any remnants. These treated veins are not needed for transporting the blood back to the heart. After treatment, the blood returns to the heart without any problem via the deep vein system.

The use of foam generally requires lower concentrations and smaller quantities of sclerosant and treatment goals are usually achieved more quickly.
In addition, foam sclerotherapy is almost painless, minimally invasive, and can be performed rapidly on an outpatient (ambulatory) basis. After foam sclerotherapy, patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately and return to work without delay.