Dr. med. Nektarios Galanis

Dr. med. Nektarios K. Galanis, MD, PhD, is a Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon with extensive international experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complex vascular conditions. Having trained and worked at specialized medical centers in Germany and Switzerland, he has developed particular expertise in advanced endovascular procedures, aortic diseases, carotid artery stenosis, peripheral arterial disease and minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins.

He currently serves as Director of the Second Vascular Surgery Department at Lefkos Stavros – The Athens Clinic and Director of the First Vascular Surgery Department at IASO Thessaly. He is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, combining clinical practice with academic research and the education of future vascular surgeons.

Profile Overview

Dr. Nektarios Galanis is a Vascular Surgeon whose professional career spans several European countries and includes extensive experience in both conventional vascular surgery and advanced endovascular interventions.

After completing his medical studies at the University of Catania in Italy with the highest academic distinction, he moved to Germany to pursue specialist surgical training. His medical career initially focused on General Surgery and Emergency Medicine before progressing into the specialized field of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.

He completed his vascular surgery training at Marienhospital Stuttgart, an academic teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Tübingen. During this period, he gained experience in the management of arterial and venous disorders, complex vascular reconstruction and contemporary minimally invasive techniques.

In 2016, Dr. Nektarios Galanis moved to Switzerland following an invitation from Professor F. Dick to join the Vascular Surgery Department in St. Gallen as Deputy Director. This appointment provided further experience in the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms, aortic dissections, carotid artery disease and peripheral arterial disorders.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis subsequently served as Director of the Vascular Surgery Department at Rorschach Hospital, where he introduced modern minimally invasive techniques for varicose vein treatment, allowing suitable patients to undergo treatment without an overnight hospital stay.

Today, Nektarios Galanis combines his international surgical background with clinical and academic responsibilities in Greece. His professional approach emphasizes individualized treatment planning, the appropriate use of endovascular techniques and the integration of contemporary scientific evidence into everyday vascular care.

Current Positions

• Director of the Second Vascular Surgery Department, Lefkos Stavros – The Athens Clinic, Athens.
• Director of the First Vascular Surgery Department, IASO Thessaly.
• Assistant Professor of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
• Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon specializing in complex arterial disorders, carotid artery disease, aortic pathology and minimally invasive venous procedures.
• International instructor in vascular surgery and endovascular techniques.

His clinical responsibilities include the assessment of patients with arterial and venous diseases, the selection of appropriate treatment strategies and the surgical management of conditions requiring specialized vascular intervention.

Education & International Training

The academic and professional background of Dr. Nektarios Galanis includes medical education in Italy, specialist surgical training in Germany and advanced clinical experience in Switzerland.

His qualifications include:

• Medical Degree, University of Catania, Italy, awarded with the highest academic distinction.
• Specialist qualification in General Surgery, Germany, 2009.
• Specialist training in Vascular Surgery at Marienhospital Stuttgart, an academic teaching hospital of the University of Tübingen, Germany.
• Specialist qualification in Vascular Surgery, 2011.
• Advanced qualification in Endovascular Surgery, 2015.
• Specialist qualification in Emergency Medicine (Notfallmedizin), State Medical Association of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
• Doctor of Medicine (Dr. med.), University of Ulm, Germany.
• Endovenous Ablation Certificate for Varicose Veins, Swiss Society for Ultrasound in Medicine.
• Accredited Ultrasound Instructor, SGUM, Switzerland.

His medical education has provided a broad surgical foundation, while his subsequent specialization has focused on advanced vascular reconstruction, image-guided interventions and minimally invasive treatment methods.

Clinical Expertise

Vascular & Endovascular Surgery

Vascular and endovascular surgery represent the central areas of specialization of Nektarios Galanis.

His clinical practice encompasses a broad range of conditions affecting the arteries and veins, including disorders that may compromise circulation, produce significant symptoms or lead to potentially serious complications.

Conventional vascular surgery involves direct surgical access to the affected blood vessel, whereas endovascular procedures use specialized catheters and instruments introduced through the vascular system to treat the underlying condition.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis has extensive experience in both approaches, allowing treatment to be adapted to the patient’s anatomy, disease severity and overall medical condition.

His international experience in Germany and Switzerland includes the surgical and endovascular management of complex vascular cases, with particular emphasis on selecting the most appropriate intervention for each individual patient.

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Carotid artery stenosis is one of the principal areas of clinical expertise of Dr. Nektarios Galanis. The carotid arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the brain. When these arteries become narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque, blood circulation may be affected, and the risk of stroke can increase.

Carotid artery disease may remain asymptomatic for many years. In other cases, it may be associated with a transient ischemic attack or stroke, making timely diagnosis and appropriate medical assessment particularly important.

Dr. Galanis has experience in the evaluation and treatment of carotid artery disease, including the assessment of patients who may require surgical or endovascular intervention.

Treatment decisions depend on several factors, including the degree of arterial narrowing, the presence of neurological symptoms, the characteristics of the atherosclerotic plaque and the patient’s overall cardiovascular risk.

Management may involve medical treatment and monitoring, carotid endarterectomy or endovascular intervention in appropriately selected cases. The objective is to reduce the risk of future cerebrovascular events while considering the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option.

Aortic Aneurysms & Aortic Dissections

Another important field of Dr. Nektarios Galanis’ clinical practice is the management of complex diseases affecting the aorta, the body’s largest artery.

An aortic aneurysm develops when part of the arterial wall becomes abnormally enlarged. Depending on its size, anatomical characteristics and rate of progression, it may require close monitoring or surgical intervention.

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops within the inner layer of the aortic wall, allowing blood to enter between its layers. This condition can become life-threatening and requires immediate specialist assessment.

During his appointment in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Dr. Nektarios Galanis gained substantial experience in treating complex aortic pathology, including aneurysms and dissections requiring advanced vascular reconstruction.

His expertise includes the use of modern endovascular and hybrid surgical techniques, combining conventional surgery with catheter-based interventions when clinically appropriate.

Treatment planning takes into consideration the location and extent of the disease, the anatomy of the affected vessels and the patient’s overall medical condition.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Dr. Nektarios Galanis also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral arterial disease, a condition characterized by reduced blood flow through the arteries supplying the limbs.

The disease is commonly associated with atherosclerosis and may cause leg pain during walking, reduced walking distance, poor wound healing or, in advanced cases, tissue damage.

Peripheral arterial disease requires careful assessment because its severity can vary considerably between patients. Some individuals benefit from medical treatment, exercise-based rehabilitation and cardiovascular risk management, while others require revascularization to restore adequate blood flow.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis has experience in both open vascular surgery and minimally invasive endovascular techniques used to treat arterial narrowing and occlusions.

Depending on the individual case, treatment may involve angioplasty, stent placement or surgical bypass procedures.

The primary objective is to improve circulation, relieve symptoms, preserve limb function and reduce the risk of complications associated with advanced arterial disease.

Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatment

The treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous disorders represents another important area of Dr. Nektarios Galanis’ clinical practice.

Varicose veins develop when the valves within superficial veins fail to maintain normal blood flow, allowing blood to accumulate and causing the veins to become enlarged or twisted.

Patients may experience visible dilated veins, leg heaviness, discomfort, swelling or other symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency.

During his tenure as Director of the Vascular Surgery Department at Rorschach Hospital in Switzerland, Dr. Galanis introduced modern minimally invasive techniques for treating varicose veins in suitable patients as day-case procedures.

These methods may include endovenous thermal ablation and other catheter-based treatments designed to close the affected vein without the need for extensive surgical incisions.

Compared with traditional surgery, selected minimally invasive approaches may offer reduced postoperative discomfort and an earlier return to normal activities.

The appropriate method is determined following clinical assessment and ultrasound examination of the venous system, taking into account the anatomy of the affected veins and the severity of venous insufficiency.

Vascular Ultrasound & Diagnostic Imaging

Accurate vascular diagnosis is essential for determining the severity of arterial and venous disease and selecting the appropriate treatment strategy.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis is an accredited ultrasound instructor with the Swiss Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (SGUM), reflecting his experience in both diagnostic and procedural vascular ultrasonography.

Duplex ultrasound is widely used to assess blood flow, identify arterial narrowing, evaluate venous reflux and monitor patients following vascular procedures.

The examination can provide important information about the location, extent and haemodynamic significance of vascular abnormalities without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation.

In addition to its diagnostic role, ultrasound guidance may be used during selected vascular interventions to improve anatomical visualization and support procedural planning.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis’ experience in vascular ultrasonography forms an integral part of his approach to individualized diagnosis, treatment planning and postoperative follow-up.

Professional Career

Throughout his career, Dr. Nektarios Galanis has held specialist surgical, hospital leadership and academic positions in Germany, Switzerland and Greece.

His professional background includes:

• General Surgery training at SLK-Kliniken Heilbronn, an academic teaching hospital affiliated with Heidelberg University, Germany.
• Specialist training in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Marienhospital Stuttgart, Germany.
• Deputy Director of the Vascular Surgery Department in St. Gallen, Switzerland, from 2016.
• Director of the Vascular Surgery Department at Rorschach Hospital, Switzerland.
• Director of the Second Vascular Surgery Department at Lefkos Stavros – The Athens Clinic, Athens.
• Director of the First Vascular Surgery Department at IASO Thessaly.
• Assistant Professor of Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

His hospital experience in different European healthcare systems has provided exposure to a broad range of vascular conditions and surgical approaches, from emergency vascular care to complex elective interventions.

Clinical Experience & Surgical Achievements

Nektarios Galanis has performed more than 4,500 surgical and endovascular procedures throughout his professional career in Greece and abroad.

His experience encompasses conventional vascular surgery, complex arterial reconstruction, endovascular procedures and minimally invasive treatment of venous disorders.

A significant part of his professional development took place in specialized European vascular surgery centers, where he gained experience in the management of complex aortic disease, carotid artery stenosis and peripheral arterial pathology.

During his hospital leadership role in Switzerland, he also contributed to the implementation of contemporary minimally invasive varicose vein treatments.

His background in Emergency Medicine includes participation in and leadership of more than 500 emergency medical missions in Germany, providing additional experience in the assessment and management of patients requiring urgent medical care.

These different aspects of his career have contributed to a broad clinical background encompassing elective vascular procedures, complex surgical cases and emergency medical situations.

Academic & Educational Activity

In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Galanis has maintained an active role in medical education and specialist surgical training.

During his professional career in Germany, he taught General Surgery at nursing schools in Heilbronn and Stuttgart and contributed to the teaching of Vascular Surgery at the University of Tübingen Medical School.

Since 2021, he has been involved in academic activities at the Department of Anatomy of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

In 2025, he assumed the position of Assistant Professor of Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, further expanding his involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, he also served as a scientific associate at the Anatomy Laboratory of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School.

His educational activity extends beyond Greece. For more than ten years, Dr. Nektarios Galanis has been a principal instructor at Vascular International School, an internationally recognized training programme dedicated to the development of practical skills in vascular surgery.

Through this role, he contributes to the education of surgical residents and younger vascular surgeons in contemporary open surgical and endovascular techniques.

His experience as an accredited vascular ultrasound instructor further complements his educational activity, particularly in the areas of vascular imaging and ultrasound-guided procedures.

Research & Scientific Contributions

Scientific research represents an important component of the professional activity of Dr. Nektarios Galanis.

He has participated as an investigator in major international clinical studies, including VOYAGER PAD and ECST-2, both of which address important questions in contemporary vascular medicine.

The VOYAGER PAD study investigated antithrombotic treatment in patients with peripheral arterial disease following lower-extremity revascularization.

The ECST-2 study focuses on treatment strategies for patients with carotid artery stenosis, contributing to the development of evidence regarding medical treatment and carotid revascularization.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis holds Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certifications and remains involved in clinical research and international scientific activities.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis also serves as an Associate Editor of the international scientific journal Vascular Specialist International and has undertaken peer-review responsibilities for vascular surgery publications, including Gefässchirurgie and European vascular surgery journals.

His research involvement complements his everyday clinical practice and reflects a continuing interest in the evaluation and development of evidence-based vascular treatments.

Memberships & Scientific Associations

Dr. Nektarios Galanis maintains professional affiliations with Greek and international scientific organizations dedicated to vascular medicine and surgery.

His memberships include:

• Hellenic Society for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (HSVS).
• European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS).
• German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG).
• Swiss Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (SGUM).
• Vascular Access Society (VAS).

His participation in these organizations supports his continuing involvement in scientific education, clinical research and developments in modern vascular and endovascular surgery.

An Individualized Approach to Vascular Care

Vascular diseases vary considerably in severity, anatomical characteristics and potential complications. For this reason, treatment decisions require an individualized approach that considers both the underlying vascular condition and the patient’s overall health.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis emphasizes accurate diagnosis, detailed vascular imaging and the careful assessment of all available treatment options before recommending an intervention.

In selected patients, conservative treatment and regular monitoring may be appropriate. In other cases, surgical or endovascular intervention may be necessary to restore circulation, prevent complications or address a potentially serious vascular condition.

Whenever clinically suitable, minimally invasive techniques may provide an alternative to conventional open surgery. However, the choice of procedure depends on the patient’s anatomy, the complexity of the disease and the expected benefits and risks of each approach.

The objective is to select a treatment strategy that addresses the underlying vascular problem while prioritizing patient safety, long-term clinical outcomes and functional recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Nektarios Galanis?

Dr. Nektarios Galanis combines extensive international training with substantial clinical experience in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.

His professional background includes specialist training in Germany, senior surgical positions in Switzerland and leadership responsibilities at major healthcare institutions in Greece. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in the management of complex arterial and venous diseases, including aortic aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis and peripheral arterial disease.

Having performed more than 4,500 surgical and endovascular procedures, he has developed a broad clinical background encompassing both conventional vascular reconstruction and contemporary minimally invasive interventions.

His experience in carotid artery disease is particularly relevant to patients requiring specialist evaluation of arterial narrowing and assessment of their risk of cerebrovascular complications.

In addition to his clinical work, his position as Assistant Professor of Medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, his international teaching activities and his involvement in major clinical studies reflect his continuing contribution to medical education and vascular research.

Dr. Nektarios Galanis is also featured in Athens Pulse’s guide, Best Vascular Surgeons for Carotid Stenosis in Athens – Top 5 (2026), which presents physicians with specialist experience in the diagnosis and treatment of carotid artery disease.