Patent attributes
A device is described for facilitating the preparation of therapeutic foam e.g. for the treatment of varicose veins. A pressurised vial contains a sclerosant liquid, e.g., polidocanol solution, and a sterile gas which is readily absorbed by the body, e.g., carbon dioxide, oxygen or a mixture of these gases. The vial is provided either with a specialised stopper/seal into which a syringe nozzle may be inserted or alternatively a septum seal which may be penetrated by a hypodermic needle. The quantities of gas and liquid and the pressure in the vial are pre-set so that, on connection of a syringe to the vial, a predetermined volume of both gas and liquid is transferred to the syringe, with the intention that the syringe is then used to make a foam by known means. The use of the vial ensures that the ratio of gas to liquid in the foam is standardised, and also provides a convenient way of packaging the gas and liquid and of filling the syringe in a sterile manner.
