Adventist Health Glendale | Healthline Quarterly | Winter 2019

Edward Samourjian, MD, featured with the nuclear medicine scanner. Avo Artinyan, MD Surgical Oncology and Colorectal Surgery Raffi Chalian, MD Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology Edward Samourjian, MD Vascular Surgery Avo Artinyan, MD, an early developer of transanal minimally invasive surgery. Raffi Chalian, MD, featured with the da Vinci® robotic surgical system. Dr. Artinyan is a board-certified surgeon and surgical oncologist with specialized expertise in minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgical oncol- ogy, particularly laparoscopic, robotic, and transanal colon and rectal cancer surgery. He is an expert in sphincter-preserving and transanal resection techniques for rectal cancer, as well as the treat- ment of gastric, pancreatic, soft tissue and breast cancers; inflammatory bowel disease; diverticulitis; and abdominal wall hernias. When treating rectal cancers, Dr. Artinyan uses state-of-the-art techniques with a minimally inva- sive approach for faster recovery while maintaining patient comfort and dignity. In 2010, he was among the early developers of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), a technique that has transformed the field of rectal cancer and patients’ lives for the better. TAMIS is a safe treatment option for early rectal cancer and is less traumatic to the patient and the anal sphincter, compared to traditional methods. It aids in removing rectal tumors while avoiding con- ventional surgery that takes out part of the pelvis, which can have greater risks and side effects. Dr. Artinyan’s primary goal is to provide the most compassionate, innovative and individualized care for his patients. He believes in a multidisci- plinary approach for the treatment of all cancers and works closely with oncologists, gastroenterolo- gists and radiation oncologists. Dr. Artinyan earned his medical degree from UC San Diego and completed his master of science degree, general surgery training and colorectal research fellowship at the University of Southern California. He completed his clinical and research surgical oncology fellowships at City of Hope Cancer Center. Dr. Chalian is board certified in both gynecology and gynecologic oncology. He specializes in complex gynecological cases; precancerous conditions; and gynecological cancers, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. In addition, as a gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Chalian is trained to manage issues related to the care of gynecological cancers, which include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Dr. Chalian is a board-certified minimally invasive surgeon who provides comprehensive care for his patients using state-of-the-art and leading-edge techniques, which include robot- ics and minimally invasive surgery, as well as traditional surgery. His innovative approach provides a shorter length of hospital stay, fewer complications and a faster recovery so women can return sooner to their daily activities. His expert knowledge and compassionate care, combined with use of advanced tech- nology, allows Dr. Chalian to provide the best patient care, located conveniently in Glendale. His goal is to provide high-quality care while maintaining the individual patient’s autonomy and dignity. He understands the various facets of women’s health and is sensitive to his patients’ needs. Dr. Chalian completed his fellowship and residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in gynecologic oncology and OB‑GYN, respectively. He attended the Imperial College School of Medicine in London. Dr. Samourjian is board certified in both general and vascular surgery with a focus on peripheral vascular disease. His extensive training and expert knowledge enable him to provide advanced op- tions to treat complex conditions of all blood ves- sels outside of the brain and heart. Dr. Samourjian treats common diseases of the arteries, including atherosclerosis (buildup of fat inside vessels), and disorders of vessels that sup- ply blood to the legs, arms and kidneys. When an artery is blocked or narrowed, the part of the body it supplies blood to does not get oxygen, resulting in further vascular problems. Dr. Samourjian also treats varicose veins of the legs. This is not a life-threatening condition, but it has an impact on a patient’s well-being. Varicose veins usually appear bulging, surrounded by spider-like veins, and can be painful and disfig- uring. Symptoms include swelling, tingling and a burning sensation, with rare cases of bleed- ing. Dr. Samourjian evaluates patients and uses advanced technology—such as radiofrequency ablation (high-frequency radio waves delivered via catheter to close a vein), vein stripping and phle- bectomy (surgery to remove varicose veins), and sclerotherapy (injection of small spider veins to make them disappear)—to treat them. Most vein procedures can be performed in the office. Dr. Samourjian completed his fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of Utah and his residency training in general surgery at the University of Nevada. TO L E A R N MO R E A B O U T A DV E N T I S T H E A LT H G L E N DA L E O R TO F I N D A DO C TO R , V I S I T A DV E N T I S T H E A LT H . O R G / G L E NDA L E 5