Make an Appointment
910.763.3333 (17th St.) 910.799.2262 (Ashton Dr.)

Blogs

Atlantic Brain & Spine Surgeon Alex Thomas, MD, Completes 50th Ultra-Minimally Invasive Procedure Using Arthrex Endoscopic Spine Technology

Wilmington, NC — Neurosurgeon Alex Thomas, MD, has successfully completed his 50th ultra–minimally invasive spine surgery utilizing the Arthrex Endoscopic Spine System, marking a significant milestone in his advancement of next-generation spine care.

This approach is done through a small 8 mm incision roughly the width of a pencil tip, and supports techniques associated with less tissue disruption, reduced pain and faster recovery. 1-5 Indications for this procedure include discectomies, foraminotomies, and spinal stenosis procedures.

Dr. Thomas has broadened what is possible in minimally invasive spine surgery backed by Arthrex’s innovative technology. His achievements reflect the future of spine surgery—greater precision, smaller incisions and an improved patient experience.

“Endoscopic spine surgery was a natural evolution of the minimally invasive philosophy I’ve al-ways applied in caring for my patients,” said Dr. Thomas. “There is no question that these tech-niques are unmatched in allowing for the treatment of spinal pathology while minimizing collat-eral damage to surrounding structures. Arthrex has been there every step of the way for my first 50 cases and their support as leaders in endoscopic surgery has given me the confidence to de-velop this skillset safely and efficiently.”

Founded in 2003, Atlantic Brain & Spine offers comprehensive evaluations, conservative treatment solutions, and state-of-the-art surgical options. Its surgeons specialize in the latest minimally invasive spinal and cranial procedures, which have been shown to decrease blood loss, lower infection risk, shorten hospital stays, and accelerate recovery.

Arthrex, headquartered in Naples, Florida, is a global medical device company and leader in multispecialty minimally invasive surgical technology innovation, scientific research, manufacturing and medical education. The company has pioneered the field of arthroscopy and sports medicine and develops more than 1,000 new products and related procedures annually to advance minimally invasive orthopedic surgery, trauma, spine, cardiothoracic, orthobiologics and arthroplasty innovation worldwide. Arthrex also specializes in the latest 4K multispecialty surgical visualization and OR integration technology solutions.

Arthrex Raleigh-Durham is the exclusive agency of Arthrex medical devices, serving health care professionals across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Pinehurst, Fayetteville, Greenville, and Wilmington, NC. Committed to advancing patient care through innovative solutions, we support surgeons and medical teams with industry-leading products and personalized service throughout the Triangle and eastern North Carolina.

Arthrex Raleigh-Durham and Atlantic Brain & Spine celebrate Dr. Thomas’s milestone and the impact he continues to make in the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. For an appointment with Dr. Thomas, please visit atlanticbrainandspine.com.

For more information about ultra-minimally invasive spine surgery, visit www.arthrexendoscopicspine.com.

What Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is an ultra-minimally invasive surgical technique performed by either an orthopedic-trained spine surgeon or neurosurgeon. Often, these procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting.

Specially designed instruments like the endoscope, which is about the width of a pencil, allow surgeons to view and reach small areas of the spine without the need for the large incision required for traditional back surgery. This minimizes disruption and damage to muscles responsible for stabilizing the back and reduces the need to remove bone.

  1. Ahn Y, Oh HK, Kim H, Lee SH, Lee HN. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar foraminotomy: an advanced surgical technique and clinical outcomes. Neurosurgery. 2014;75(2):124-133. doi:10.1227/NEU.0000000000000361
  2. Ruetten S, Komp M, Merk H, Godolias G. Use of newly developed instruments and endoscopes: full endoscopic resection of lumbar disc herniations via the interlaminar and lateral transforaminal approach. J Neurosurg Spine. 2007;6(6):521-530. doi:10.3171/spi.2007.6.6.2
  3. Polikandriotis JA, Hudak EM, Perry MW. Minimally invasive surgery through endoscopic laminotomy and foraminotomy for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. J Orthop. 2013;10(1):13-16. doi:10.1016/j.jor.2013.01.006
  4. Mahan MA, Prasse T, Kim RB, et al. Full-endoscopic spine surgery diminishes surgical site infections – a propensity score-matched analysis. Spine J. 2023;23(5):695-702. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.01.009
  5. Ruetten S, Komp M, Merk H, Godolias G. Full-endoscopic interlaminar and transforaminal lumbar discectomy versus conventional microsurgical technique: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008;33(9):931-939. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e31816c8af7

Neurosurgical Physician Assistant Opening

Atlantic Brain and Spine is seeking a Physician Assistant (or SFA-NP) motivated to learn new skills and take on the challenge of continuing to reinforce and build a solid practice platform with our experienced neurosurgeons. Our growing practice employs 6 neurosurgeons, 11 Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners. 

What sets our practice apart? The makeup of our surgical group includes the only endovascular neurosurgeon in our region, a world leader in lateral access exposures, and one of the top robotic lateral spine surgeons in the country also assisting with robotic improvement projects. Our surgeons have ongoing exposure to new ideas, equipment and technique advancements, and embrace the challenge to be on the cutting edge of neurosurgical technology. 

Who is a good fit? This job is fast paced and requires a candidate willing to take on the challenge of learning the specifics of Endovascular Neurosurgery both on and off the job during their introductory period. Call requires 48- or 72-hour rotation (M/T; W/R; F/S/S), with additional compensation per day. Candidates should be invested in patient satisfaction and providing a good customer service model. New graduates welcome to apply. The ideal candidate will work to maintain constant communication with their attending, being an integral piece in executing the patient’s plan of care. 

Work Schedule: Full-time. M-F and 1 weekend every 6 weeks /1:6 Call ratio

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program
  • Current Board Certification
  • Current North Carolina License Preferred
  • Critical Care training/experience
  • Desired knowledge/experience Neurosurgery/Neurology/Orthopedic Spine Surgery
  • Current prescribing privileges including a DEA license for controlled substances
  • Competent in viewing MRI, CT, radiology films used during the medical decision-making process

Practice Requirements:

  • Hospital arrival by 6:45 am M-F plus call days
  • Surgery Schedule 2-3 days per week
  • Clinic days 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 2-3 days per week; close early on Fridays. 
  • Primary Call: Responsible for taking first call, patient consults, and acting as surgical first assist. Must be within a 30-minute travel radius when on call to NHRMC

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance 
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) 
  • Voluntary benefits 
  • CME allowance
  • Dues & Memberships 
  • PTO

Full Time Front Desk

Role and Responsibilities

The medical office assistant will have a minimum of one-year experience and be an integral part of the patient care team. This is a full-time position, and will handle the use of confidential information. This position will cross cover between check-in and check-out. Primary duties are as follows:

  • Greet patients and visitors, in person or on the telephone
  • Registration of patient accounts
  • Process outgoing referrals
  • Scheduling of patient appointments
  • Payment collections and postings
  • Optimizes patient’s satisfaction, provider time and treatment room utilization by scheduling appointments
  • Notifying providers and clinical staff of patient’s arrival
  • Scanning medical records in the EMR, including but not limited to paper documents and CD images
  • Protects patient’s rights by maintaining confidentiality of personal and financial information
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the reception area
  • Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

High School Degree or GED required; and one year of customer service experience. Excellent customer service skills, strong written and verbal communication skills required.

Preferred Skills

One-year of medical front office experience a plus. Associates degree preferred.

Salary: $14.00 – $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

    Career Opportunities