Best Vascular Surgeons for Carotid Artery Stenosis in Athens – Top 5 (2026)
Carotid artery stenosis is a vascular condition that develops when atherosclerotic plaque accumulates inside the carotid arteries, narrowing the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Although the disease may remain asymptomatic for years, significant carotid narrowing can increase the risk of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke. Early diagnosis, appropriate medical treatment and specialist evaluation are essential for reducing the risk of serious neurological complications. For patients searching for the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens, understanding the available treatment options is an important first step toward making an informed decision.
The management of carotid artery disease requires an individualized approach that considers the degree of arterial narrowing, the patient’s neurological history, vascular anatomy and overall cardiovascular health. Treatment from the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens may involve medication and regular monitoring, carotid endarterectomy or an endovascular procedure such as carotid artery stenting. Choosing among the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens involves evaluating each specialist’s experience with carotid disease, familiarity with different surgical techniques and ability to recommend an appropriate treatment strategy.
For its 2026 guide, the editorial team of Athens Pulse presents the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens with professional backgrounds in vascular and endovascular surgery. This article explores their medical training, clinical experience and areas of expertise while providing patients with essential information about carotid stenosis, available treatments and recovery.
How to choose the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens
Choosing a specialist among the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens requires more than comparing professional titles or the number of procedures performed throughout a medical career. Carotid artery disease involves specific anatomical and neurological considerations, making experience with carotid endarterectomy, endovascular treatment and stroke prevention particularly important. Patients should also evaluate the specialist’s experience with complex vascular cases, access to appropriate hospital facilities and ability to provide comprehensive preoperative and postoperative care. When researching the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens, it is important to consider whether the doctor can explain the advantages and limitations of different treatment approaches.
Other relevant factors include postgraduate training, scientific activity, participation in international medical conferences and involvement in specialized vascular surgery centers. Experience with diagnostic examinations such as carotid duplex ultrasound, CT angiography and magnetic resonance angiography is also important for treatment planning. The best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens should provide clear information about procedural risks, expected outcomes and the circumstances in which medical treatment may be preferable to surgery. The following five specialists have different professional backgrounds and clinical interests, allowing patients to explore several options before arranging an individual medical consultation.
Dr. Nektarios Galanis
Dr. Nektarios Galanis, MD, PhD, is a vascular and endovascular surgeon whose professional career includes extensive clinical experience in Germany, Switzerland and Greece. His international training involved major European vascular surgery centers, where he developed experience in the treatment of complex arterial conditions and advanced vascular reconstruction. His clinical interests include carotid artery disease, aortic pathology, peripheral arterial disease and both conventional and endovascular surgical techniques. According to his published professional biography, he has performed more than 4,500 surgical procedures and has held senior clinical positions involving the management of complex vascular disorders. His scientific activity also includes participation in international research, medical education and surgical training through organizations such as the Vascular International School.
A particularly relevant aspect of Dr. Galanis’s clinical practice is his experience with carotid endarterectomy performed under local anesthesia, allowing appropriately selected patients to remain conscious during the procedure. This approach enables the surgical team to communicate directly with the patient and assess certain neurological functions while the affected carotid artery is being treated. For individuals comparing the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens, his background in conventional vascular reconstruction, endovascular procedures and awake carotid surgery provides several relevant areas of experience to discuss during consultation. His international training and involvement in surgical education complement his clinical activity in the management of carotid and other arterial diseases.
Dr. Evangelos Nikolopoulos
Dr. Evangelos Nikolopoulos is a vascular surgeon serving as Director Vascular Surgeon at Metropolitan Hospital in Athens. He graduated from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace and completed his specialist training in vascular surgery at the university’s vascular surgery department. His postgraduate education included clinical training at Ealing Hospital in London and the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Klinikum Nürnberg in Germany. He also holds a postgraduate qualification in Endovascular Techniques from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. His professional background combines experience in conventional vascular surgery with additional training in minimally invasive endovascular procedures used to treat arterial and venous disorders.
Dr. Nikolopoulos’s clinical experience is relevant to carotid artery disease, where treatment decisions depend on the severity of the narrowing, the patient’s neurological history and the characteristics of the affected blood vessel. His background in both open vascular surgery and endovascular techniques allows different therapeutic approaches to be considered during the assessment of carotid stenosis. Patients researching the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens may consider his international training, hospital-based clinical experience and familiarity with modern vascular interventions.
Dr. Theofanis Konstantopoulos
Dr. Theofanis Konstantopoulos, MD, PhD, MSc, is a vascular surgeon and military physician with academic training in vascular and endovascular medicine. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Military School of Corps Officers before pursuing specialist medical training. He subsequently obtained a doctoral degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed postgraduate studies in Endovascular Techniques through an educational program involving the University of Athens and the University of Milano-Bicocca. His professional career includes clinical activity in military hospitals, and he serves as an attending vascular surgeon at NIMTS Hospital in Athens. His medical interests encompass arterial and venous disorders, including the assessment and treatment of carotid artery stenosis.
Dr. Konstantopoulos has also developed patient-oriented educational material addressing carotid disease, carotid endarterectomy and the importance of identifying arterial narrowing before neurological complications occur. His professional background combines conventional vascular surgery with additional academic training in endovascular techniques, which can be relevant when evaluating different treatment options. For patients investigating the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens, his clinical and academic experience provides a basis for discussing the management of carotid disease and the potential need for intervention.
Prof. Christos Bakoyiannis
Prof. Christos Bakoyiannis is a vascular surgeon and Professor of Vascular Surgery at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School. His professional activity includes clinical work at the University Vascular Surgery Clinic of Laiko General Hospital, where he combines patient care with academic research and medical education. He graduated from the University of Athens Medical School, completed his specialist training in vascular surgery and obtained a doctoral degree from the same university. His postgraduate education included additional training in Germany, with experience at specialized vascular surgery centers in Düsseldorf and Cologne. His clinical and scientific interests encompass conventional vascular surgery, endovascular interventions and hybrid procedures for the treatment of complex vascular conditions.
Carotid artery disease forms part of Prof. Bakoyiannis’s professional activity, including the diagnosis of carotid stenosis and treatment through carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty with stent placement when clinically indicated. His wider vascular surgery experience includes aortic disorders, peripheral arterial disease and other conditions affecting the arterial and venous systems. Patients comparing the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens may consider his academic background, international postgraduate training and clinical involvement in different forms of vascular reconstruction.
Dr. Konstantinos N. Xiromeritis
Dr. Konstantinos N. Xiromeritis is a vascular surgeon and Director of the Fourth Vascular Surgery Clinic at Metropolitan General, while also maintaining a professional association with Hygeia Hospital. He studied medicine at the University of Freiburg in Germany and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens before completing specialist training in general and vascular surgery. His professional education included clinical experience at Klinikum Nürnberg, particularly within its Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and at the Vascular Surgery Department of Laiko General Hospital. His clinical practice encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of arterial and venous disorders, including carotid artery disease, peripheral arterial disease and chronic venous conditions.
Dr. Xiromeritis’s clinical interests include the management of carotid stenosis through medical treatment, conventional carotid endarterectomy and endovascular intervention with stent placement when appropriate. Treatment selection depends on the patient’s symptoms, degree of arterial narrowing, vascular anatomy and associated medical conditions. For individuals seeking the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens, his experience in vascular and endovascular surgery provides a relevant background for evaluating the available treatment options.
Understanding carotid artery stenosis
The carotid arteries are two major blood vessels located on either side of the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Carotid artery stenosis develops when atherosclerotic plaques accumulate inside these arteries, progressively reducing the space available for blood to flow. These deposits typically contain cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium and other components associated with atherosclerosis. Plaque material or blood clots can sometimes travel from the affected carotid artery into smaller cerebral arteries, potentially interrupting blood flow and causing an ischemic stroke.
Many individuals with carotid artery stenosis experience no symptoms, even when the narrowing is substantial. The condition may be discovered during a routine vascular ultrasound or an investigation performed because of other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients looking for the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens should understand that the degree of narrowing is only one element of the overall clinical assessment. Previous neurological symptoms, plaque characteristics and the patient’s cardiovascular health also influence the choice of treatment.
When does carotid artery stenosis require treatment?
The presence of carotid narrowing does not automatically mean that an operation is necessary. Treatment decisions depend on the degree of stenosis, the presence or absence of neurological symptoms, the patient’s age and overall medical condition. In patients who have recently experienced a TIA or minor ischemic stroke related to significant carotid stenosis, surgical treatment may be considered to reduce the risk of another neurological event. In asymptomatic patients, the potential benefits of intervention must be weighed carefully against procedural risks and the effectiveness of contemporary medical treatment.
The best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens should evaluate these factors before recommending an intervention. Additional considerations include plaque characteristics, vascular anatomy, other cardiovascular diseases and the patient’s ability to tolerate surgery. The goal is to select a treatment strategy that reduces the future risk of stroke without exposing the patient to unnecessary procedural complications. In some cases, medical management and regular monitoring may remain the most appropriate approach.
Can carotid artery stenosis be treated without surgery?
Medical management is a fundamental component of carotid artery disease treatment, regardless of whether a surgical procedure is eventually required. Depending on the patient’s cardiovascular risk profile, treatment may include antiplatelet medication, cholesterol-lowering therapy, blood pressure control and appropriate management of diabetes. Smoking cessation, regular physical activity and a balanced diet also contribute to reducing the risk of further atherosclerotic disease. The exact combination of treatments should be determined by the treating physician according to the patient’s individual medical history.
When comparing the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens, patients should consider whether the specialist provides a comprehensive explanation of nonsurgical treatment options. Medical management may be appropriate for patients with mild or moderate asymptomatic stenosis and for selected individuals in whom the potential risks of intervention outweigh the expected benefits. Regular vascular ultrasound examinations may also be recommended to monitor changes in the affected artery. Even after successful endarterectomy or stenting, continued cardiovascular risk management remains essential.
What is carotid endarterectomy?
Carotid endarterectomy is an established surgical procedure used to remove atherosclerotic plaque from a narrowed carotid artery. During the operation, the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens make an incision in the neck to access the affected vessel and carefully remove the plaque from its inner surface. The artery is subsequently closed, sometimes with the use of a surgical patch to help maintain an adequate arterial diameter. The purpose of the procedure is to reduce the risk of future stroke in appropriately selected patients by removing the plaque responsible for the narrowing.
Patients considering the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens should ask about the specialist’s experience with carotid endarterectomy and the circumstances in which this procedure is recommended. Although it is an established treatment, it remains a significant vascular operation requiring careful preoperative assessment, appropriate neurological monitoring and postoperative care. Potential complications include stroke, bleeding, infection and injury to nerves located near the surgical site. The individual benefits and risks should be discussed with the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens before surgery.
Frequently asked questions the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens get
Who are the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens?
The best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens for an individual patient depend on the condition being treated, the patient’s neurological history and the procedure being considered. Dr. Nektarios Galanis, Dr. Evangelos Nikolopoulos, Dr. Theofanis Konstantopoulos, Prof. Christos Bakoyiannis and Dr. Konstantinos N. Xiromeritis have different professional backgrounds in vascular and endovascular surgery. Patients should evaluate each specialist’s experience with carotid disease, the available hospital facilities and the proposed treatment strategy. An individual consultation is necessary to determine whether a particular surgeon’s clinical experience matches the patient’s needs.
Is carotid artery stenosis always dangerous?
Carotid artery stenosis can increase the risk of ischemic stroke, but the level of risk varies considerably between patients. Mild, stable narrowing without neurological symptoms may be managed through medication and regular monitoring. More severe disease, particularly when associated with recent neurological symptoms, requires prompt specialist assessment. The degree of narrowing should always be interpreted alongside the patient’s medical history and overall cardiovascular risk.
At what percentage does carotid artery stenosis require surgery?
There is no single percentage that automatically makes surgery necessary for every patient. In individuals with recent neurological symptoms, carotid endarterectomy may be recommended for severe narrowing and considered in selected cases of moderate stenosis. For asymptomatic patients, the potential benefits of intervention must be weighed against procedural risks and the effectiveness of medical treatment. The final decision depends on the complete clinical assessment rather than the percentage of stenosis alone.
Is carotid endarterectomy safer than carotid stenting?
Both procedures carry risks, and their relative safety depends on the patient’s characteristics and the clinical setting. Clinical studies have identified a higher risk of stroke around the time of carotid stenting in certain patient groups, particularly older individuals. However, stenting may be appropriate when conventional surgery presents specific anatomical or medical difficulties. The choice should follow an individualized assessment of the potential benefits and risks of each technique.
Can carotid endarterectomy be performed while the patient is awake?
Yes, carotid endarterectomy may be performed under local or regional anesthesia, allowing the patient to remain conscious during the operation. This enables the surgical team to assess certain neurological functions through direct interaction with the patient. General anesthesia is also widely used and may be appropriate depending on the patient’s medical condition and the surgical team’s assessment. Neither approach should be regarded as universally preferable for every patient.
How long does carotid endarterectomy take?
Carotid endarterectomy commonly takes approximately one to two hours, although the duration varies depending on the patient’s anatomy and the complexity of the procedure. Additional time is required for anesthesia, preparation and postoperative monitoring. Patients may need to remain in the hospital for further observation after surgery. The surgeon can provide an individualized estimate during the preoperative consultation.
Can carotid artery stenosis return after treatment?
Yes, recurrent narrowing can occasionally develop after carotid endarterectomy or stent placement. Restenosis may occur because of tissue changes within the treated segment or the progression of atherosclerotic disease. Follow-up ultrasound examinations can help identify changes that require further evaluation. Medication adherence and management of cardiovascular risk factors remain important even after successful intervention.
What should I ask the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens during my first vascular surgery consultation?
Patients comparing the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens should ask about the severity of the narrowing, the relationship between the disease and any previous neurological symptoms, and the available treatment options. It is also useful to discuss the surgeon’s experience with carotid endarterectomy and stenting, the expected benefits of intervention and the potential procedural risks. Patients should ask about postoperative monitoring, medication requirements and follow-up examinations. Understanding why a particular treatment is recommended can help patients make an informed decision about their care.
Should I get a second opinion before carotid surgery?
A second medical opinion from the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens can be useful when a patient is uncertain about the proposed treatment or when different procedures are being considered. However, recent stroke or TIA symptoms may make treatment time-sensitive, and obtaining another opinion should not unnecessarily delay urgent specialist assessment. Patients should discuss the urgency of treatment with their medical team. A second opinion is particularly relevant when the choice between medical management and intervention is uncertain.
Athens Pulse editorial note
The Athens Pulse Top 5 guide presents the best vascular surgeons for carotid artery stenosis in Athens based on publicly available information concerning their medical training, clinical activities, professional experience and involvement in vascular medicine. The order of presentation follows the editorial selection and does not constitute an independently verified comparison of surgical outcomes, complication rates or patient safety. The article is intended to provide general information and help patients explore available medical options. It does not replace an individualized medical assessment or guarantee a particular treatment outcome.