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Review
. 2009 Dec;18(12):1919-27.
doi: 10.1517/13543780903376163.

Polidocanol for endovenous microfoam sclerosant therapy

David M Eckmann  1
Affiliations
Review

Polidocanol for endovenous microfoam sclerosant therapy

David M Eckmann. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2009 Dec.

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.

Results/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.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interest

The author has no conflict of interest to declare and no fee has been received for preparation of the manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structure of polidocanol.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The Varisolve® polidocanol endovenous microfoam generation and dispensing canister.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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