Table 3.

Technical Pearls for Using Sclerosants

Issue	Pearl
Balloon inflation	Balloon inflation proximal to the injection site and aggressive aspiration with a large syringe prior to balloon deflation will prevent retrograde embolization.
Volume determination	Contrast injection with an occlusion balloon inflated will help to estimate the volume of sclerosant needed.
Analgesia	Patients usually sense an intense pain immediately after alcohol injection, and deep sedation or general anesthesia is usually recommended.
Alcohol radiopacity	When using alcohol, a 4:1 mixture with lipiodol will render alcohol radiopaque.