Dr. Gefen studies various medical conditions and interventions to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. His research includes the use of fibrin sealant in inguinal hernia repairs, which aims to reduce recovery pain and complications. He has also investigated the risks associated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in patients with Listeria infections, highlighting the need for careful medication management. Additionally, his work on lipoxin A4 analogs explores their potential to reduce inflammation, while his studies on verapamil address how this medication can improve exercise capacity in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, a heart condition. Overall, his research contributes to understanding and improving treatments across several areas of medicine.
Key findings
In a study on inguinal hernia repairs using fibrin sealant, only 3 out of 278 procedures (1.5%) had ongoing hernia issues, and 12 patients (5.9%) experienced chronic pain.
Dr. Gefen reported the first case of Listeria monocytogenes infection affecting the gallbladder in a patient treated with etanercept, indicating a potential increased risk for patients on tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.
In experiments with lipoxin A4 analogs, these compounds reduced white blood cell activity by more than 80%, suggesting a new avenue for treating inflammatory diseases.
Patients with chronic atrial fibrillation showed a significant improvement in exercise capacity, from 522 to 806 work units, after taking verapamil, indicating its effectiveness as a treatment.
The electrocardiographic V4R lead correctly identified 82.7% of right ventricular infarction cases and ruled out the condition in 87.7% of cases, demonstrating its diagnostic accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Gefen study hernias?
Yes, he researches innovative techniques for repairing inguinal hernias, including the use of a special glue called fibrin sealant.
What infections is Dr. Gefen involved with?
He studies infections like Listeria monocytogenes, especially in patients on certain autoimmune disease treatments, to understand their risks better.
Is Dr. Gefen's work relevant to heart patients?
Yes, his research addresses chronic atrial fibrillation and involves medication that can help improve exercise capacity and overall heart function.
What are lipoxin A4 analogs, and why does Dr. Gefen study them?
Lipoxin A4 analogs are compounds that may help control inflammation in the body. Dr. Gefen studies them for their potential benefits in treating inflammatory diseases.
How does Dr. Gefen's research impact patient care?
His findings contribute to better treatment options, minimize complications, and enhance recovery experiences for various patient groups.
Publications in plain English
Mesh Fixation with Fibrin Sealant in Totally Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair.
2017
Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A
Hirsch H, Nagatomo K, Gefen J
Plain English This study looked at a method for repairing inguinal hernias, which are common groin problems, using a special glue called fibrin sealant to hold the mesh in place. Out of 278 hernia repairs in 204 patients, only 3 (1.5%) had ongoing hernia issues, and 12 patients (5.9%) experienced chronic pain after the procedure, showing that this method is effective and safe with minimal complications over nearly three years. This is important because it offers a reliable option for hernia repairs, potentially improving recovery experiences for patients.
Who this helps: Patients needing inguinal hernia repairs.
Listeria monocytogenes cholecystitis: a possible new syndrome.
2013
The American journal of the medical sciences
Bruminhent J, Lynch TK, Gefen J, Santoro J
Plain English This study looked at a severe infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes in patients using a specific type of medication called tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, which are often used to treat autoimmune diseases. The researchers reported the first case of Listeria infection affecting the gallbladder in a patient taking etanercept, a common tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, highlighting that this treatment may increase the risk of such infections. Understanding this relationship is crucial for doctors in making safe treatment choices for patients on these medications.
Who this helps: This benefits patients on tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and their doctors.
Lipoxin A4 stable analogs inhibit leukocyte rolling and adherence in the rat mesenteric microvasculature: role of P-selectin.
1997
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Scalia R, Gefen J, Petasis NA, Serhan CN, Lefer AM
Plain English This study looked at three types of lipoxin A4 analogs and how they affect the movement of white blood cells in small blood vessels of rats. The researchers found that after introducing a substance that increased white blood cells’ rolling and sticking to blood vessel walls, the lipoxin analogs significantly reduced this activity by more than 80% in some cases. This is important because it suggests that these lipoxin analogs might help control inflammation in the body, potentially leading to new treatments for inflammatory diseases.
Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory conditions.
The early recognition of right ventricular infarction: diagnostic accuracy of the electrocardiographic V4R lead.
1983
Circulation
Klein HO, Tordjman T, Ninio R, Sareli P, Oren V +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how well a specific heart test (the V4R lead on an electrocardiogram) can identify a type of heart attack that affects the right side of the heart. Researchers found that this test correctly identified 82.7% of patients with right ventricular infarction and could rule out the condition in 87.7% of cases. This is important because using the V4R lead can help doctors quickly diagnose and treat patients with these types of heart attacks, improving patient outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients experiencing heart attacks.
Lang R, Klein HO, Di Segni E, Gefen J, Sareli P +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how the medication verapamil affects exercise capacity in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The researchers found that patients' maximal exercise capacity significantly improved from 522 to 806 work units after taking verapamil. This matters because it shows verapamil can help people with chronic atrial fibrillation exercise more effectively while also reducing heart rate and blood pressure, making it a potentially preferred treatment option.
Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who want to improve their exercise ability.