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Semin intervent Radiol 2010; 27(4): 391-399
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1267848
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Pharmacology of Sclerotherapy

Giustino Albanese1 , Kimi L. Kondo1
  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 November 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Sclerotherapy is the therapeutic use of sclerosants in the controlled destruction of undesired target tissues. Sclerosants have been used in vascular and nonvascular settings, both as primary and adjunctive therapy. Effective sclerotherapy requires a conceptual understanding of key questions about the process being treated, including the method of delivery, the presence of flow, and the required contact time to initiate sclerosis. However, beyond technique and delivery, practical and safe application of sclerotherapy requires an understanding of the uses, limitations, dosing, and side effects of sclerosants used during interventional radiology procedures. Agents discussed here include detergents and surfactants [ethanol, Sotradecol® (Bioniche Pharma, Pointe Claire, Quebec and Angiodynamics, Latham, NY), ethanolamine oleate], hypertonics (saline, glucose), and a review of several other types that are used less frequently.

KEYWORDS

Sclerotherapy - ethanol - Sotradecol® - hypertonic solutions - ethanolamine oleate - sclerosants

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Kimi L KondoD.O. 

Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Mail Stop L954

12401 East 17th Avenue, Room 537, Aurora, CO 80045

Email: Kimi.Kondo@ucdenver.edu