  We prove a compactness theorem for holomorphic curves in 4-dimensional
symplectizations that have embedded projections to the underlying 3-manifold.
It strengthens the cylindrical case of the SFT compactness theorem by using
intersection theory to show that degenerations of such sequences never give
rise to multiple covers or nodes, so transversality is easily achieved. This
has application to the theory of stable finite energy foliations, and also
suggests a new approach to defining SFT-type invariants for contact
3-manifolds, or more generally, 3-manifolds with stable Hamiltonian structures.
