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A novel analysis system for the quantification of sclerosing foam properties under clinically relevant conditions was developed with the purpose of establishing a robust methodology for comparative characterisation of different foam formulations and production strategies. The developed biomimetic-inspired model comprised of 4 or 10 mm inner diameter polytetrafluoroethylene tubing, filled with a blood substitute and fixed to a platform with an adjustable inclination angle. Sclerosing foams were produced by mixing polidocanol with either atmospheric air or 100 % CO₂, using a double-syringe system method. Individual foams were injected into the tube, while videos were captured simultaneously. Videos were then transferred to an in-house computational foam analysis system (CFAS) which performed a sequence of semi-automated operations, allowing quantitative characterisation of sclerosing foam dynamic behaviour. Using CFAS, degradation rates of different foams were measured and the effect of gas composition, liquid sclerosant concentration and time delay between foam production and injection were evaluated.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s10856-013-4913-6

Type

Journal article

Journal

J mater sci mater med

Publication Date

06/2013

Volume

24

Pages

1417 - 1423

Keywords

Biomimetics, Equipment Design, Gases, Humans, Materials Testing, Rheology, Sclerosing Solutions, Varicose Veins, Viscosity