The History of Sclerosing Foams

Dermatol Surg 30:5:May 2004 WOLLMANN: THE HISTORY OF SCLEROSING FOAMS 703
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33. Tessari L. Nouvelle technique d’obtention de la scléro-mousse.
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34. Tessari L, Cavezzi A, Frullini A. Preliminary experience with a new
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Commentary
Many authors have claimed to have developed a technique for
foaming detergent solutions to increase the efficacy of
sclerotherapy treatment of varicose veins. In this article, Dr.
Wollmann has researched the literature to provide us with an
accurate history of this therapeutic advance. As with ambulatory
phlebectomy and many other surgical techniques, foaming
sclerosing solutions is not new. This technique was first
described in 1939 and has been reported using many different
methods over the past six decades. Present ‘‘advances’’ in
38. Ouvry P, Barrellier MT, Escalard JM, et al. Sclerotherapy of the
long saphenous vein with foam of Lauromacrogol: a prospective
duplex controlled randomized study protocol and first result. Int
Angiol 2001;20(Suppl 1):343.
39. Wollmann JC. Schaum zwischen Vergangenheit und Zukunft.
Vasomed 2002;16:34–5.
40. Hamel-Desnos C, Desnos P, Ouvry P, et al. Nouveautés thérapeutiques
dans la prise en charge de la maladie variqueuse: échosclérothérapie
et mousse. Phlébologie 2003;56:41–8.
41. Wollmann JC. An Experimental Model to Pinpoint Properties and
Behavior of Sclerosing Foams. 17th Annual Congress of the
American College of Phlebology; 2003 Aug 27–31; San Diego,
CA. Oakland, CA: ACP, 2003.
42. Breu FX, Guggenbichler S. European Consensus Meeting on Foam
Sclerotherapy April 4–6, 2003, Tegernsee, Gemany. Dermatol Surg
2004;30:709–717.
sclerotherapy technique represent minor modifications of
previously reported techniques and should not be named after
their recent revivalists. One wonders whether a language barrier
prevents a wider appreciation of the past achievements of
medicine. Perhaps a universal language of medical and scientific
reports will better help to disseminate information. Certainly, in
this, the ‘‘information–computer age’’ it is possible.
MITCHEL GOLDMAN, MD
La Jolla, California