Low temperature offers better foam stability

Abstract

Background: The foam's structural longevity, linked to the effectiveness of sclerotherapy, depends on preparation conditions. The factors enhancing the treatment's effectiveness and efficacy are still under discussion. Methods: We conducted an in vitro preclinical research, which included 144 independent trials. A total of 8 combinations involving 18 trials were designed according to settings of +4°C and room temperature (20–22°C), liquid-to-air ratios of 1/1 and 1/4, and polidocanol concentrations of 0.5% and 1% using the modified Tessari method. Our study aimed to examine the effect of air ratio, agent temperature, and polidocanol concentration on stability by assessing the foam half-time (FHT) and defining the optimal preparation conditions. Results: The mean FHT was 117 ± 30.4 s. The longest FHT was in a 1:4 air-to-sclerosant ratio at +4°C, regardless of the sclerosant concentration (for %0.5 mean FHT: 146.2 ± 13.9 s, for % 1 mean FHT: 146.9 ± 18 s). There was a significant interaction among the three variables on FHT (p = 0.001). Temperature emerged as the primary factor (F(1, 136) = 124, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.477), with lower temperatures markedly enhancing the longevity (p < 0.001). Preparation at a temperature of 4°C resulted in an extended FHT of 32.5 s compared to 22°C (95% CI: 24.06–41.04 s). Conclusion: The temperature, agent concentration, and gas ratio significantly influence the stability of the physician-compounded foam. The low temperature at +4°C may offer better FHT for sclerotherapy.