Dr. Lawrence Markovitz Tumblr Blog

A Virginia physician with board certification in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, practices with and serves as medical director of Virginia Vein Care, which he founded in 2008. In his work with the practice, Dr. Lawrence Markovitz provides minimally invasive alternatives to vein stripping as treatments for varicose veins. Varicose veins are veins with valves that have been damaged, leading to the pooling of blood and visible bulging on the surface of the skin. Untreated varicose veins can lead to such conditions as hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration), lipodermosclerosis (hardening of tissue in the leg), chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers, spontaneous bleeding, and deep vein thrombosis (blood clotting). Medical treatment for varicose veins includes endovenous radiofrequency ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that closes veins via a small radiofrequency catheter. The catheter heats the walls of the vein once it enters, causing collagen to contract and ultimately close the vein. A second treatment for varicose veins involves endovenous laser treatment, commonly known as EVLT. Performed under local anesthesia, the EVLT procedure uses a small laser fiber to open veins and restore proper blood flow.

Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, is a thoracic surgeon who performed the first minimally invasive aortic valve replacement procedure in the Washington, DC area. Notably, he has held roles at Mayo Clinic Health System’s Midelfort Clinic, as well as Virginia Vein Care, where he currently serves as medical director. Additionally, Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. From October 22-26, 2017, the annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, California. The theme of this year’s meeting is Do What’s Right for the Patient, and the event will consist of numerous panel discussion groups, lectures, postgraduate classes, and other educational material aimed at elevating the quality of patient care and moving away from volume-based medicine. The panel discussions will broach a wide range of topics, such as promoting diversity among those working in the surgical sector, maintaining a safe environment in the operation room, and handling the surgical response in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.

Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, is an experienced thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon who has worked extensively at the Mayo Health System’s Midelfort Clinic in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and currently directs medical operations at Virginia Vein Care in McLean, Virginia. Earlier in his career, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, performed the first minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in the greater Washington, DC, area. A safer and more efficient alternative to open aortic valve surgery, minimally invasive aortic valve surgery repairs or replaces the valve that regulates the flow of blood from the heart to the aorta, the largest artery in the body, using small cuts, rather than the sizable incisions that open surgery requires. Different approaches to performing minimally invasive aortic valve surgery include mini-thoracotomy and mini-sternotomy techniques. A mini-thoracotomy involves making an incision through the chest wall, while the mini-sternotomy involves cutting through the breastbone. These techniques can be employed to repair or replace damaged valves either with or without robotic assistance. When the aortic valve is too damaged for repair, surgeons can replace it with a new one. Replacement valves can be composed of inert material, such as titanium and carbon, or of human or animal biological tissue. In a percutaneous transcatheter procedure, surgeons use a catheter to pass a replacement aortic valve into a blood vessel in the groin or the chest and, using a balloon to stretch the opening of the aorta, implant the new valve in place of the damaged one.

Certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz has been practicing medicine for more than 35 years. With a focus on providing minimally invasive treatment, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, performs a procedure called endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), which can resolve the problems of varicose veins that could only be previously corrected with surgery. EVLT uses a laser to cauterize and close the vein with the painless formation of scar tissue. Once closed, the vein instantly loses the ability to carry blood and eventually recedes, disappearing within one or two years. Endovenous laser treatment can treat both small and large varicose veins found in the lower extremities. Monitoring the procedure via an ultrasound screen, the clinician directs a beam of laser energy through a catheter into the patient’s problem area. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in less than 45 minutes and under local anesthesia. Because EVLT avoids vein ligation and stripping, patients experience little if any discomfort and may immediately return to normal daily activities.

As founding medical director of Virginia Vein Care, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, builds on his experience in thoracic surgery. Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz currently focuses his work on the treatment of varicose and other abnormal veins, which he addresses using the latest in technologies. Patients with varicose veins have a number of surgical options for treatment, with one such option being laser therapy. This technique uses light energy to damage the walls of the vein, thus creating scar tissue that closes the vein and lets the vein die. After several months, the vein is absorbed back into the body. The effect, however, is immediate. Smaller varicose veins and those closer to the skin may respond to a simple laser treatment to the skin, while endovenous treatment addresses deeper veins through use of a small catheter. A similar technique is used in radiofrequency ablation, which transmits energy through a catheter to damage the venous wall and close the vein. Other minimally invasive techniques include stab avulsion, in which the surgeon makes a few small incisions to remove a varicose vein that lies close to the skin. All varicose veins can be treated with a combination of these modalities, and Dr. Lawrence Markovitz believes open surgical ablation is no longer a recommended treatment.

Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, has served as medical director of Virginia Vein Care since 2008. In this role, Dr. Lawrence Markovitz draws on an in-depth understanding of the development of varicose veins. Varicose veins bulge outward from the surface of the skin. Typically blue or purple in color, they occur as a result of malfunction in the valves that ordinarily serve to keep blood flowing out of the lower extremity and toward the heart. As these valves lose their functionality with time, blood succumbs to gravity and flows back down through the leg, where it pools and causes an increase in pressure. Increased pressure in the leg veins leads to further weakening of the malfunctioning valves. This presents as a spreading of the varicose veins and, if untreated, can lead to changes in skin color and the development of chronic vein ulcers. This process is most common in older adults, as the aging process naturally causes veins to lose elasticity. However, for pregnant women, the increased blood volume and decreased blood flow in the legs can increase susceptibility to varicosity even in an earlier stage of life. Individuals with excess weight or a family history of varicose veins are at a higher risk is of developing the condition at any stage, as are women and individuals who regularly stand or sit for extended periods of time.                            

As medical director of Virginia Vein Care, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, welcomes many patients with varicose veins. To treat this condition, Dr. Lawrence Markovitz offers such minimally invasive options as endovenous laser treatment. In the past, surgery was the only treatment option for patients with severe varicose veins. These individuals would go under general anesthesia, and a surgeon would either tie off or remove the affected vein. This approach rendered the vein useless and caused the blood to divert around it, thus relieving the patient's symptoms. Recently, however, the development of a procedure known as endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) has allowed for the same result without cutting. To perform the procedure, the surgeon inserts a small laser fiber into the vein. Heat from the laser prompts the development of scar tissue, which closes the vein. EVLT has the same desired result as traditional surgery, in that the lack of blood supply through the closed vein ultimately results in its death. However, EVLT accomplishes this end with a significantly reduced recovery time and with the use of only a mild sedative or local anesthesia.

As a member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), Lawrence J. Markovitz, M.D. is entitled to several benefits offered by the organization. As founder and medical director of Virginia Vein Care, Lawrence J. Markovitz joins other M.D.s and surgeons in accessing STS’ extensive list of membership benefits. All members of the college receive complimentary subscriptions to STS’ peer-reviewed journal, The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, as well as print subscriptions to STS’ quarterly newsletter, STS News. Access to STS Advocacy Monthly, the society’s e-newsletter, is also available to members. Members also enjoy discounted registration for the college’s educational opportunities, including the annual meeting, coding workshops, webinars, and third-party educational programs. Promotional services and networking opportunities are another advantage of membership. Members receive a personal webpage on the cardiothoracic surgery network, a listing in the online STS membership directory, and the ability to network with the world’s largest group of cardiothoracic surgeons.

Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, has practiced with Virginia Vein Care since 2008. In that time, Dr. Lawrence Markovitz has treated numerous cases of venous insufficiency to help patients avoid serious complications. Venous insufficiency, a common condition in many adults and particularly in middle aged women, occurs when the veins can no longer properly transport blood to the heart. It can cause feelings of heaviness or swelling in the legs, as well as cramping and bruising. If left unaddressed, the condition can also prompt the development of varicose veins as well as other more serious conditions. When venous insufficiency becomes particularly severe, patients may develop a condition known as venous ulceration. This condition occurs when diseased veins leak fluid into the surrounding tissue or when blocked veins cause a pooling of fluid. Either situation then causes the tissue to degrade, which ultimately leads to the development of an open sore. If venous ulcers do develop, they typically require professional intervention to facilitate healing. This often involves thorough cleaning of the wound and compression stockings to improve circulation. However, to promote healing and prevent recurrence, the physician must also treat the venous insufficiency that initially caused the ulcer.

Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, guides Virginia Vein Care and serves the needs of patients in Purcellville, McLean and the District of Columbia. Although currently limiting his practice to the treatment of venous disease, Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz was an innovator in minimally invasive heart surgery and was the first practitioner to perform a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement in the Washington, DC region. The aorta is the major blood vessel through which blood flows out from the heart and is separated from the heart by the aortic valve. This one-way valve opens to allow blood to flow out and closes so that blood does not return into the heart. Malfunctions of the aortic valve include failure to close fully, which leads to aortic regurgitation, or a leakage of blood back into the heart. Aortic stenosis involves a valve that does not fully open, which impacts the flow of blood from the heart. Either of these conditions may necessitate aortic valve surgery, which was traditionally accomplished through a large, open incision cut through the chest. The minimally invasive approach centers on procedures such as thoracotomy, which involves the use of multiple small incisions. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement involves a replacement valve being inserted into the heart or blood vessel. Through percutaneous valvuloplasty, a balloon is inflated that widens the opening of the valve and enables accurate placement.

Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, is director of Virginia Vein Care and offers patients in McLean and Purcellville dedicated care for venous conditions such as varicose and spider veins. Emphasizing minimally invasive alternatives to vein stripping, Lawrence J. Markovitz, employs state-of-the-art applications, such as radio-frequency, laser, and ultrasound technologies. Often appearing on the face and legs, spider veins involve the capillaries near the skin’s surface and are smaller than their varicose counterparts. They spread outward in thin blue, red, and purplish branches. Spider veins may initially be quite small, then cover larger areas over time. With approximately half of adult women experiencing this condition, pregnancy is a common cause. They are also related to genetic predisposition, and may occur as a result of traumatic injury. Dr. Lawrence Markovitz and his team use a painless duplex ultrasound approach to diagnosing vein disease. Treatment options include sclerotherapy, through which a tiny needle is used to inject a chemical solution into affected veins. The vein’s lining swells, which causes it to stop conducting blood. The vein is eventually absorbed within the body and the spider vein eliminated. Another effective approach is VeinGogh treatment, through which a small probe emits energy microbursts that cause the blood to heat and coagulate. As with sclerotherapy, the spider vein is ultimately reabsorbed in the body.

Since 2008, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, has worked as medical director of Virginia Vein Care in McLean, Virginia, which he also founded. Dr. Lawrence Markovitz draws on his 25 years of experience in thoracic medicine to perform minimally invasive vein treatments. A member of several medical organizations, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, maintains membership with the American College of Phlebology (ACP). With more than 2,000 vein care professionals in its membership, the ACP is the premier association for physicians and other health professionals dealing with venous and lymphatic diseases. It seeks to improve medical standards in this field and ensure that patient care adheres to these standards. On November 12 through 15, 2015, the ACP held its annual congress in Orlando, Florida. The 29th meeting of the organization, this event brought together more than 1,400 participants, the most ever to attend this annual congress. The four-day meeting featured discussions on phlebology, ultrasound, and nursing management; attendees also experienced hands-on and interactive sessions. In addition to the informative sessions, attendees took part in social excursions, such as golfing, bidding at the silent auction, and participating in a fun run.

A board-certified cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, oversees minimally invasive treatment of venous diseases as medical director at Virginia Vein Care in McLean, Virginia. Supplementing his practice, Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz holds membership with various professional organizations, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Since 1964, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has endeavored to supply resources and facilitate collaboration among physicians to foster advances in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. The society, headquartered in Chicago, benefits more than 7,100 health care professionals and their patients. Continuing in the tradition of research and education, the STS 52nd Annual Meeting and STS/AATS Tech-Con will occur January 23-17, 2016, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend sessions and courses on surgical techniques, as well as to view scientific posters and new procedures and devices under development and consideration for FDA approval. For registration and hotel information, visit STS.org.

As the founder and medical director at Virginia Vein Care, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, leverages his background in heart surgery to help patients in the Washington, DC, area with their medical needs. At his practice, Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz employs a number of innovative procedures for treatment of varicose veins, such as endovenous laser treatment. Endovenous laser treatment, commonly referred to as EVLT, allows physicians to remove varicose veins with a minimally invasive office procedure. The technique replaces older, more invasive surgical methods, eliminating hospital time and reducing the potential for pain. On average, the process lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, and the patient may return to normal activities immediately following the procedure. In an EVLT procedure, the doctor utilizes ultrasound guidance and a needle to carefully place a laser fiber into the undesired vein. Once activated, the fiber generates heat in the vein, causing it to close and prevent further blood flow. Blood then moves to healthy veins in the body, and the sealed varicose vein slowly absorbs into the body.                            

As the medical director of Virginia Vein Care, Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, treats patients with a wide variety of vein conditions. Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, draws on an in-depth knowledge of phlebectomy as a treatment for varicose veins. A minimally invasive surgical procedure, phlebectomy removes varicose veins located on the surface of the leg. It typically requires only a local anesthetic and is most often an outpatient procedure. The surgeon begins by cleaning and numbing the skin, after which he or she makes very small incisions close to the veins. Incisions are most often no longer than the eraser on a pencil. Through these incisions, the surgeon inserts into the leg a phlebectomy hook, which catches and removes the varicose vein. From beginning to end, the full procedure takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Most patients must wear a close-fitting but comfortable compression wrap and wear compression stockings for two to three weeks after the procedure. In the majority of cases, those who undergo a phlebectomy are able to walk out of the surgical office and can resume basic activities in as little as 24 hours.                            

An MD recipient from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz serves as medical director of Virginia Vein Care in McLean. Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, is an experienced thoracic surgeon who completed the first minimally invasive aortic valve replacement procedure in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Connecting the aorta and the heart, the aortic valve facilitates healthy blood flow away from the heart and into the body. Aortic valve surgery is typically required if your aortic valve does not open to let blood flow or if it fails to close properly, allowing blood to pump back into the heart. While open aortic valve procedures are available, you can also choose to undergo minimally invasive surgery to replace the valve. During the procedure, the surgeon will temporarily stop the heart using the cardiopulmonary bypass technique to continue blood flow instead. After opening the aorta, the surgeon removes the damaged valve and any local calcified areas. You will either receive a mechanical prosthetic or tissue valve in its place before the surgeon closes the aorta. This minimally invasive surgery not only creates smaller incision scars, but also promotes faster healing and shorter hospital recovery times. Patients generally experience less blood loss than in other procedures and do not develop infections as easily after the surgery is complete. Recently, percutaneous methods for aortic valve replacement have also been devised.                            

 Lawrence J. Markovitz, MD, founder and medical director of Virginia Vein Care, sees many patients with varicose veins and spider veins. Dr. Lawrence J. Markovitz uses his knowledge of these related conditions to develop treatment plans. Varicose veins stem from a weakness in the vein itself. In a normally functioning leg vein, a series of valves open to allow the blood to pass and then close to avoid reverse flow. When the walls of these veins become weak due to a loss of elasticity, the veins themselves swell and leave their valves unable to close properly. Without properly closing valves in the vein, blood flows backward and can collect into pools, thus causing the vein to swell and even twist. A number of risk factors may contribute to weakness of the veins. Individuals with a family history of varicose veins may be predisposed, as well as those with a predisposition to blood clots. Individuals who are obese, spend a good amount of time standing, or who use birth control pills may be more likely to develop varicose veins, as well. Additionally, individuals with increased abdominal pressure, whether due to a medical condition or constricting garments, may find themselves more susceptible.