DuPage Medical Group Spinal Specialist Joins Renowned Medtronic Faculty: Dr. Mataragas to Mentor Physicians Internationally

Downers Grove, Ill.—Dr. Nicholas Mataragas of The Spine Center of DuPage Medical Group—the largest independent, multi-specialty physician group in the Chicago area—has been named to the faculty of innovative medical technology leader, Medtronic, Inc. Medtronic selected the physician based on his unique blend of surgical acumen and teaching experience.

“This prestigious appointment only serves as further confirmation of the outstanding work Dr. Mataragas is doing with our patients,” said Dennis Fine, Chief Operating Officer of DuPage Medical Group. “His reputation precedes him. It’s rare to find a physician who performs at such a high level in both treatment and instruction. We are honored to see him included on their faculty.” 

As a member of the Medtronic faculty, Mataragas will teach specific spinal procedures to other doctors across the globe. His extensive experience includes mentoring surgeons both nationally and internationally, in locations such as Greece, Spain, Korea and Japan. Through various nationwide discussion panels, Mataragas has contributed to the discourse on the evolution of spinal implant technology. He has also been instrumental in the development of minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques and devices.

Mataragas is credited as the first surgeon in the state of Illinois to perform the MAST® MIDLFTM procedure, a Medtronic-commissioned spinal surgery technique. Referred to as a midline laminectomy approach, this procedure is uniquely designed to enable a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery, accessing the spine in the middle lower back. This allows surgeons to avoid working through a tubular retractor. 

Serving Naperville and Lombard, Ill., locations of DuPage Medical Group, Mataragas is one of a few U.S. surgeons who routinely perform multi-level minimally invasive anterior lumbar fusions. His patients have had significantly shorter hospital stays and excellent results compared to those treated with traditional techniques.

“I take great pride in sharing the valuable insight that I’ve gained,” said Mataragas. “This new experience will offer me the chance to collaborate with great spinal practitioners from around the world. Such exchange is essential in the advancement of medicine.” 

About Dr. Mataragas
A Chicago native, Mataragas was valedictorian of Marist High School’s class of 1991. He earned his medical degree at the age of 22 from the University of Miami, having completed their prestigious six-year honors program in medicine. He held residencies at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, home of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Ryder Trauma Center, the largest trauma center in the world. Mataragas went on to work at Texas Back Institute, the largest spinal clinic in the world and a world-leader in emerging spinal surgical techniques and technologies. Mataragas is a member of the North American Spine Society and the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He is affiliated with Advocate Good Samaritan and Edward Hospitals.

About Medtronic, Inc.
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology –– alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people. The company has 38,000 dedicated employees in more than 120 countries around the world.

About DuPage Medical Group
With more than 330 physicians and 45 locations, DuPage Medical Group provides physician-directed healthcare that is focused on quality, efficiency and access. For more information, visit www.dupagemedicalgroup.com. For more information on The Spine Center of DuPage Medical Group, please call 630-967-2225.