Nyktari Vasilia
October 20, 2025 2025-10-29 11:25Nyktari Vasilia
Nyktari Vasilia
Assistant Professor of Anaesthesiology
Medical School, University of Crete, P.C. 70013 Heraklion, Crete
Vasileia Nyktari is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the Medical School of the University of Crete (UoC), Greece. She provides clinical services at the University Anesthesiology Clinic and is co-director of the Pain Clinic at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete.
Dr. Nyktari received her medical degree from the University of Crete with honors and her PhD from the University of Crete. She specialized in Anesthesiology at the University of Crete and has received further training in the field of Algology in Greece and abroad.
Dr. Nyktari has been elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Society of Pain Medicine (EEA) and the Hellenic Scientific Society for Cannabinoids (EIEK), and represents Greece in Europe in the “Multidisciplinary Committee of the UEMS for Palliative Care.”
She is a member of the Greek Anesthesiology working group for training in mechanical ventilation during anesthesia and a member of the working group for training in bleeding and hemostasis management.
Thesis at the Medical Department of the School of Health Sciences of the University of Crete entitled: ‘Effect of Volatile Anaesthetics on Respiratory System Resistance’ Grade: ‘Excellent’
Holds a Certificate of Competence in Emergency Pre-hospital Medicine (EPI) from the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAV) of the Ministry of Health, holds the European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (DEEA) Part I and II, is a certified ERC trainer in Basic Life Support / Automatic External Defibrillation (BLS/AED) Provider and Instructor Course
Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) Provider Course
Advanced Life Support (ALS) ,Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) American College of Surgeons , Advanced Life Support (ALS) Instructor Course and
Generic Instructor Trainer of the European Resuscitation Council.
She has been trained in simulation-based training (TRAIN THE TRAINERS Course at GAPS: St George’s Simulation and Skills Centre, London, UK).
She has undergone 1.5 months of further training in the Emergency Department at Hope University Hospital, Salford, Manchester, UK (Head of Training: Director Prof. David Yates), in the Paediatric ICU of the University Hospital of Heraklion, participating in the on-call programme under Professor of Paediatrics K. Smpyrakis, further training in cardiac anaesthesia at the Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre with training supervisor Ms Stavroula Lakoumenta, further training in Intensive Care Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, St Georges’ University Hospital with Dr. Phil Newman as training supervisor.
He has successfully completed the European ESA Masterclass programme: Seminar on Patient Blood Management – Focus on Perioperative Bleeding Management, in Hainburg, at the University of Krems in Austria. (Training supervisors: Sibylle Kozek-Langenecher, Friedrich Faulhammer, Prof. Stefan Nehrer).
He has been certified in ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine: Theory and Practice of Acupuncture’ by the Academy of Ancient and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Athens.
He has completed 4 postgraduate seminars in ALGOLOGY, under the auspices of the Hellenic Society of Algology, Greek Section of IASP-EFIC
He has attended European Pain Schools (EFIC Pain Schools):
Postgraduate training in the management of cancer pain
EFIC Pain School: Management of cancer pain, Liverpool, UK
Postgraduate training in the psychology of pain
EFIC Pain School: Pain Psychology for Non-Psychologists
She has attended a training seminar on the clinical applications of impedance, entitled “Clinical Application of EIT Technology in Anesthesia,” organized by Draeger Hellas S.A., Athens.
Dr. Nyktari’s research interests focus on the mechanical properties of the respiratory system (DD topic), mechanical ventilation during anaesthesia, the treatment of acute and chronic pain, anaesthesia-analgesia with minimal or no opioids, and the management of bleeding with the aid of thromboelastography.
Chapters in International Books
1. Askitopoulou H, Mathioudakis E, Astyrakaki E, Nyktari V, Papaioannou A. References of Opium in Homeric Epics. In: Anaesthesia Analgesia from Antiquity to the 20th Century. Heraklion: University of Crete Press, 2012, pp. 65-66.
2. Stefanakis G, Konsolaki E, Nyktari V, Askitopoulou H. A Hippocratic Physician’s Office.In: Helen Askitopoulou, ed. History of Anaesthesia VII. Heraklion: University Crete Press, 2012, pp 45-54.
3. Astyrakaki E, Nyktari V, Askitopoulou H. Different Concepts of ‘Αnaesthesia’ in Late Greek and Roman Antiquity. In: Helen Askitopoulou, ed. History of Anaesthesia VII. Heraklion: University Crete Press, 2012, pp 67-74.
4. Askitopoulou H, Astyrakaki E, Mathioudakis M, Nyktari V. References to “Mekon” and “Mandragoras” in Greek non-medical classical texts. In: Michael G Cooper, Christine M Ball, Jeanette R Thirlwel eds. History of Anaesthesia VIII. Sydney: Australian Society of Anaesthetists, 2016, pp 596-605.
5. Anastasia Spartinou, Vasileia Nyktari. Inhalational Anaesthesia” Chapter 2.3, Fifteenth Edition of Lee’s Synopsis of Anaesthesia, Elsevier 2022.
6. Lefteris Papadakis, Vasileia Nyktari. E-learning module on “Airway Management”. ESICM, Academy platform on the Society website.
ABSTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS WITH REVIEWERS [26]
1. Nyktari V, Papaioannou A, Prinianakis G, Mamidakis E, Georgopoulos D, Askitopoulou H. Effect of desflurane‐gas mixtures density on airway resistance in a laboratory lung model (A‐296). Eur J Anaesthesiol 2004; 21:74
2. Nyktari V, Papaioannou A, Prinianakis G, Chatzimichali A, Korda D, Balalis K, Georgopoulos D, Askitopoulou H. High MAC concentrations of desflurane do not affect respiratory resistance: (A297) Eur J Anaesthesiol 2004;21:74-75.
3. Souvatzis X, Katonis P, Nyktari V, Tzanakis N, Askitopoulou H. Poor accuracy of anaesthesiologists in identifying the lumbar vertebral interspace in relation to Tuffier’s line irrespective of patients’ position (8AP1‐10). Eur J Anaesthesiol2007;24(6):88.
4. Nyktari V, Papaioannou A, Lappa A, Volakakis N, Askitopoulou H. Effect of two different MAC concentrations of desflurane and sevoflurane on pulmonary resistance during Anaesthesia (5AP1‐10). Eur J Anaesthesiol2008;25(5):72.
5. Dermitzaki D, Karatzi M, Nyktari V, Krasonikolakis G, Askitopoulou H. Effect of mode of ventilation during anaesthesia on postoperative respiratory function: (5AP2–7). Eur J Anaesthesiol 2010;27(47):95- 96.
6. Nyktari V, Papaioannou A, Sgourou K, Mathioudakis E, Askitopoulou H. Partitioning inspiratory resistance during desflurane Anaesthesia at 1.0 and 1.5 MAC (5AP3–3). Eur J Anaesthesiol 2010;27(47):97.
7. Nyktari V, Stefanakis G, Diamantaki H, Koutoulaki E, Papastratigakis G, Frantzeskos G, Papaioannou A. Opioid free anaesthesia/analgesia in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a case series. Pain in Europe XI, 11th Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2019,4-7.September, Valenthia,Spain.https://doi.org/10.26226/morressier.5d402f9f8f2158d25ec12ec3
8. Vasileia Nyktari. Current minimally invasive surgery and chronic postsurgical pain S54. Signa Vitae. Journal of Anaesthesia Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine,2021. 17(S1);54.http://www.signavitae.com/articles/10.22514/sv.2021.197
9. Emmanouela Koutoulaki, Amalia Mathioudaki, Vasileia Nyktari, Georgios Stefanakis, Periklis Vasilos, Stavroula Ilia, Georgios Frantzeskos, Alexandra Papaioannou. Audit of patients of the pain clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion with neuropathic pain during the period 2019–2020. Signa Vitae. Journal of Anaesthesia Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine 2021. 17(S1);11-11.
10. Vasileia Nyktari, George Papastratigakis, Periklis Vasilos, Georgios Stefanakis, Eleni Diamantaki, Emmanouela Koutoulaki, Nikolaos Tserlikakis, Alexandra Papaioannou. Implementation of a multimodal analgesia protocol in a burn patient in the emergency department. Signa Vitae. Journal of Anaesthesia Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine 2021. 17(S1); 39-39.DOI: 10.22514/sv.2021.184
11. Eleni Diamantaki, Vasileia Nyktari, George Papastratigakis, Georgios Stefanakis, Periklis Vasilos, Dimitrios Kouvidakis, Alexandra Papaioannou. Ethical dilemmas in managing severe burns :Is there a place for palliative care?. Signa Vitae.Journal of Anaesthesia Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine 2021. 17(S1);8-8.http://www.signavitae.com/articles/10.22514/sv.2021.155
12. G. Kougentakis, E. Arkalaki, V. Nyktari, S. Ilia. Predictive outcome indicators of patients with traumatic brain injury. Brain And Spine 1 (2021) 100307
13. Nyktari V., Diamantaki E., Stefanakis G., Koutoulaki E., Vasilos P., Papaioannou A. Use of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) to assess the coagulation phenotype and the need for tranexamic acid administration in polytrauma patients undergoing delayed major orthopaedic surgery: A case series study. Abstract ID: 7155. European Journal of Anesthesiology, Volume 38| e-Supplement 59 December 2021: page 36. http://www.ejanaesthesiology.com
14. Stefanakis G., Vardakis P., Papastratigakis G., Koutoulaki E., Nyktari V., Papaioannou A. Opioid-sparing intravenous multimodal analgesia/sedation strategy for non-intubated thoracic surgery: A case report. Abstract 6867. European Journal of Anesthesiology Volume 38 | e-Supplement 59 | December 2021: page 133.www.ejanaesthesiology.com
15. E Koutoulaki, E Astyrakaki, F Chaniotaki, P Vasilos, G Papastratigakis, V Nyktari, A Papaioannou. Emergency left brachial artery embolectomy under axillary block in a young patient with anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS)-induced heart failure. B127.Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine,2022; (Vol47) Suppl1: Pages A149- A149.Publisher BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
16. E Koutoulaki, V Nyktari, G Frantzeskos, P Vasilos, E Astyrakaki, A Papaioannou. A perioperative multimodal opioid sparing strategy in a patient who underwent sternal resection and chest reconstruction due to breast cancer metastasis. B244. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine,2022; (Vol47) Suppl1: Pages A200-A200.Publisher BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
17. Karakosta, M. Ntalouka, V. Nyktari, A. Papaioannou, P. Tzimas E. Arnaoutoglou. Greek anaesthesiologists’ personality assessment working in university tertiary hospitals. A cross-sectional study. Abstract 16AP02-06. European Journal of Anesthesiology, Volume 39 | e-Supplement 60 | June 2022: page 312. http://www.ejanaesthesiology.com
18. G. Papastratigakis, G. Stefanakis, V. Nyktari, E. Koutoulaki, G. Giannakakis, A. Papaioannou. Effect of a perioperative opioid free anaesthesia-analgesia (OFA-A) strategy on surgical stress response in elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a prospective randomized study – early study findings. Abstract 207AP04-12.European Journal of Anesthesiology, Volume 40 | e-Supplement 61 | June 2023:page 230. http://www.ejanaesthesiology.com
19. A Karakosta, M.P. Ntalouka, V. Nyktari, A. Papaioanou, P. Tzimas, E. Arnaoutoglou. Burnout syndrome among anaesthesiologists in the post-COVID-19 era: a prospective, observational, multicenter study from COVID-19 referral, university/tertiary hospitals in Greece. Abstract 18AP02-05. European Journal of Anesthesiology, Volume 40 | e-Supplement 61 | June 2023: page 473. http://www.ejanaesthesiology.com
20. Koutoulaki, G. Papastratigakis, P. Vardakis, P. Vasilos, G. Stefanakis, G. Frantzeskos, A. Papaioannou, V. Nyktari. Electro-acupuncture effect on pain and mechanical hyperalgesia in Fibromyalgia patients: a prospective observational study: preliminary data. Abstract ID: 677.Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2023.
21. E. Koutoulaki, P. Vardakis, G. Papastratigakis, G. Stefanakis, E. Diamantaki, P. Vasilos, C. Kalpadaki, A. Papaioannou, V. Nyktari. Electro-acupuncture effect on expression of mu-receptors on B-lymphocytes and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: preliminary data. Abstract ID: 679- Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2023.
22. E. Koutoulaki, P. Vardakis, G. Stefanakis, G. Papastratigakis, M. Venihaki, V. Nyktari. Effect of combined electroacupuncture and dietary interventions on pain and life quality in fibromyalgia patients: preliminary data of a prospective observational study. Abstract ID: 01272- Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2023.
23. G. Papastratigakis, V. Nyktari, G. Stefanakis. Koutoulaki, P. Vasilos, N. Kontopodis, C.V. Ioannou, G. Chamilos, A. Papaioannou. Effect of a perioperative opioid-free anaesthesia-analgesia (ofa-a) strategy on postoperative pain in elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a prospective randomized study – early findings. Abstract ID: 527. Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2023
24. E. Koutoulaki, G. Papastratigakis , P. Vardakis , M. Moumtzidou , G. Stefanakis , A. Papaioannou , V. Nyktari. Drug interactions in patients of the chronic pain medical unit of a university general hospital: a retrospective study. Abstract ID: 533. Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2025
25. C. Mavrogiannopoulou, G. Papastratigakis, E. Koutoulaki, P. Vardakis, G. Stefanakis, A. Papaioannou, V. Nyktari. The effect of mild exercise during chemotherapy on cancer patients’ stress levels. Abstract ID: 535. Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2025
26. E. Koutoulaki , D. Kouvidakis , P. Vardakis , G. Stefanakis , R. Dimitriou , A. Papaioannou , V. Nyktari. The use of duloxetine in a pediatric patient with phantom limb pain: Case report and review of the literature. Abstract ID: 536. Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC, 2025
Chapters in Greek Books-University Press- Books
1. Nyktari V. “Organization of the resuscitation area. The experience from the Emergency Department of the HOPE HOSPITAL, Salford, University of Manchester”. In: Eleni Askitopoulou, Editorial editor: ER Organization – The experience from Manchester and Leuven with the Leonardo Da Vinci program. Heraklion, 2003, p. 99-113
2. “Perioperative Care of the Diabetic Patient”. To: Eleni Askitopoulou. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ANESTHESIA, 5th Edition. Heraklion: Ed.Antios, 2004, pp.295-316
3. Metaxari M, Nyktari V, Askitopoulou E. Anesthesia Considerations for Urological Operations. In: E. Askitopoulou, D. Delakas. Urology Issues. Honorary volume for Angelos Kranidis. Athens: Medical Publications PX Paschalidis, 2004, pp. 585-647.
4. Nyktari Vasileia. Chapter: Specific antidotes, Mechanisms of toxicity – Detoxification methods. In the book: “Toxicology in the Modern World”, Aristides Tsatsakis, 2021
5. Nyktari V. Pain Management in patients with opioid use disorder presenting in the emergency department. In e-book: Pain Management In The Emergency Department, 2022. Broken Hill Publishers Ltd
6. Nyktari V. Manual of Emergency Medicine. Neon Publishers, 2025. ISBN: 9786185515492
Chapters in seminar books and manuals
1. Vasileia Nyktari. “Mechanical Medical Ventilators. Fundamental Principles”. In the seminar book “BREATHING AND CHEST”. Thessaloniki: Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine of Northern Greece, 2012, p.122-130
2. Vasileia Nyktari. “Anesthesia in morbidly obese patients”. In the Book of the 6th Cycle of Continuing Education in Anesthesiology. Committee for European Education in Anaesthesiology. Athens: Educational Center of Athens, 2013-2016, pp. 111-116
3. Vasileia Nyktari. “Principles of mechanical ventilation” In the Book of the A Series of Continuing Education in Anesthesiology. Committee for European Education in Anaesthesiology. Athens: Educational Center Athens, 2016, pp. 62-67
4. Vasileia Nyktari. Mechanical ventilation in the operating room. In the “BREATHING AND CHEST” Seminar Book. Thessaloniki: Company of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine N. Greece, 2016, pp. 125-132
5. Vasileia Nyktari “Principles of Operation of Positive Pressure Ventilators”. In the manual “MECHANICAL VENTILATION DURING ANESTHESIA”. Heraklion 2017. pp. 18-22. ISBN 978-618-83421-0-1.
6. Vasileia Nyktari.“ Mechanisms of lung injury during mechanical ventilation”. In the manual “MECHANICAL VENTILATION DURING ANESTHESIA”. Heraklion 2017: pp. 31-46 ISBN 978-618-83421-0-1.
7. Vasileia Nyktari.“ “Protective mechanical ventilation in patients with healthy or diseased lungs. In the manual “MECHANICAL VENTILATION DURING ANESTHESIA”. Heraklion 2017: pp. 47-63. ISBN 978-618-83421-0-1.
8. Vasileia Nyktari.“ “Mechanical ventilation in the pediatric patient”. In the manual “MECHANICAL VENTILATION DURING ANESTHESIA”. Heraklion 2017: pp. 107-121. ISBN 978-618-83421-0-1.
9. Vasileia Nyktari.“ “Mechanical ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. In the manual “MECHANICAL VENTILATION DURING THE ANESTHESIA”. Heraklion 2017: pp. 71-83. ISBN 978-618-83421-0-1.
10. Vasileia Nyktari.“ “Clinical scenarios in mechanical ventilation”. In the manual “MECHANICAL VENTILATION DURING ANESTHESIA”. Heraklion 2017: pp. 123-129. ISBN 978-618-83421-0-1.
11. Georgios Stefanakis, Vasileia Nyktari. Anesthesia in morbid obesity. In the Book of the 6th Cycle of Continuing Education at Anesthesiology.Committee for European Education in Anaesthesiology. Athens: Educational Center of Athens, 2019, p. 92-104
12. Vasileia Nyktari. Management of multiple injuries in the emergency room – Damage Control Resuscitation. Book of the 3rd Cycle of Continuing Education in Anesthesiology. Commission for European Education in Anesthesiology. Athens: Educational Center of Athens, 2021, p. 70
13. Vasileia Nyktari. Neck pain-diagnosis and management. Book of the 2nd Cycle of Seminars on Education in Algology. Years 2022-2023, 2023-2024.
14. Editor and main author in the book ” Emergency Medicine”, Neon Medical Publications, 2025.ISBN: 9786185515492
Reviewer and editing To: Eleni Askitopoulou, Alexandra Papaioannou. Textbook of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care. Athens: Greek Academic Electronic Books and Aids, 2016.. Available at http://hdl.handle.net/11419/3786
International Societies
-European Resuscitation Council (2019)
-European Society of Anaesthesiologists (since 2004)
-European Federation of Pain (EFIC) (since 2019)
-IASP (since 2025)
Greek Societies
-Hellenic Society of Anaesthesiology (since 2008)
-Hellenic Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care of Northern Greece (since 2003)
Hellenic Society of Emergency Medicine ( since 2002)
Hellenic Society of Algology (since 2019). Member of the Board of Directors since 2022
Hellenic branch of ESRA (since 2022)
