What is in Sclerotherapy Solution?

The three most commonly used agents are concentrated salt water (hypertonic saline), Sotradechol and Polidocanol. Different physicians have different comfort levels with the different agents. The newest technique involves using the agent in a foam to provide longer lasting contact with the vessel once injected but this might be reserved for slightly larger veins.

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is currently the FDA-approved sclerosant. The agents I prefer to use, however, are Polidocanol and Glycerin because they are both safe and effective, and there is a decreased incidence of pigmentation developing over the injected vessels which occurs in about 15% of patients who receive sodium tetradecyl sulfate injections. Polidocanol should receive FDA approvel in the coming months. Saline can work quite well as a sclerosant and is extremely safe, but can make... more

Polidocanol, 0.5% - 1% Sodium tetradecyl sulfate 0.2% - 0.5% Saline and dextrsoe (Sclerodex) Hypertonic saline Glycerin All of these are used for Sclerotherapy with varying success. They each have advantaes and disadvantages. Glycerin is classified as an osmotic agent. Hypertonic saline and Sclerodex are hyperosmolar agents. Polidocanol and Sodium tetradecyl sulfate are classified as detergents. Trade names for Polidocanol are Sclerovein. Trade names for sodium tetradecyl sulfate are... more

There are several solutions that are commonly used in sclerotherapy. However, none are perfect and all have certain drawbacks. Sotradecol and more recently, Asclera (polidocanol), are both FDA approved for sclerotherapy. I chose to use these agents in my procedures because they are safe, effective, and cause the least amount of side effects. These agents produce better results and do not have the cramping or pain commonly associated with hypertonic saline (salt... more

Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is the only currently the FDA-approved sclerosant. We have also used hypertonic saline in the past with mixed results and a a lot of pain.  This new product works better and is less painful. I have used it for over 3 years with no complications. www.dsboulder.com