Impact of temperature on the production of 1% polidocanol foam: comparison between the Tessari and double-syringe techniques in an experimental study.

Abstract

Background: Polidocanol (POL) foam is widely used in sclerotherapy for the treatment of lower limb varicose veins and its properties are influenced by multiple variables, including preparation methods and room temperature.

Objectives: To compare the influence of temperature on the half-life and bubble diameter of 1% polidocanol foam using the Tessari and double syringe techniques.

Methods: The study employed 1% polidocanol foam prepared at room temperature and cooled to 4 °C, using two techniques: the Tessari technique and the double syringe technique. The foam half-life was recorded, defined as the time in seconds taken for half of the liquid volume to drain. Bubble diameter was analyzed with microscopy. Differences between groups were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Cooling significantly extended the half-life of the foam, especially when the double syringe technique was employed. The Tessari technique produced smaller bubbles under both temperature conditions.

Conclusions: Cooling the mixture of 1% polidocanol and room air increased half-life, irrespective of the preparation technique employed. Temperature had no effect on bubble diameter.