A new automated system for the preparation of sclerosant foam: A study of the physical characteristics produced and the device settings required

Objectives To determine the quality of sclerosant foam produced with an automated preparation system with multiple combinations of sclerosing agents, gases, and device settings. Methods Single-use mixing capsules filled with air or O 2 /CO 2 and polidocanol (0.25, 1, or 3%) or sodium tetradecyl sulfate (0.2 or 1%) were coupled to a customized magnetic stirrer. Stirring speed and time were adjusted between 1500 and 4000 r/min and 30 and 60 s, respectively, and characteristics of the foam produced were measured: half-life, bubble diameter, and gas-to-liquid ratio. Results With optimized device settings, the following foam characteristics were obtained: half-life range, 1.4 ± 0.9 to 5.2 ± 0.6 min; bubble diameter, 84 ± 14 to 119 ± 6 µm; and gas-to-liquid ratio, 5:1–7:1. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam was quicker to form than polidocanol but faster to degrade. Foams with low sclerosant concentrations and O 2 /CO 2 required higher speed and longer time. Conclusions Suitable foam characteristics could be obtained with all combinations of sclerosing agent, concentration, and gas.