Banner Health becomes world leader in total artificial heart
Banner Health today announced it has reached a major milestone completing more than 50 total artificial heart implantation procedures, more than any center worldwide since 2022. This achievement solidifies the nonprofit health system’s position as the global leader in total artificial heart technology, with expertise that extends beyond patient care to consulting with medical centers and device manufacturers around the world on patient selection, surgery and management of total artificial hearts. Banner Health’s total artificial heart program is currently one of the busiest in the world.
The procedure is a bridge-to-transplant, providing hope for patients with end-stage heart failure who are waiting for a donor heart to become available. The total artificial heart is a device that replaces a failing heart, keeping patients alive while they wait for a transplant. For many patients facing the uncertainty of long transplant waiting lists, this technology offers a critical lifeline.
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“As a leading destination for heart transplantation, we are constantly looking for ways to advance the future of medicine and improve outcomes for our patients,” said Francisco Arabia, MD, physician executive of the Banner – University Medicine Advanced Heart Failure Program. “In the future, innovations may make the total artificial heart smaller, with a longer battery life, totally implantable and a reduced risk of infection.”
More than 6 million U.S. adults live with heart failure, and the demand for donor hearts far exceeds the organ’s supply. Banner Health’s commitment to advancing cardiac care means patients have access to the latest treatment options, including participation in clinical trials and emerging therapies.
“Advances in heart transplantation mean people are living longer than ever with donor hearts, but there are not enough heart donors,” said Dr. Arabia. “A combination of approaches that are being researched and developed may one day help meet the rising demand for heart transplants, provide options when not enough donor hearts are available, and treat people who aren’t eligible for a heart transplant.”
As the leading destination for this life-saving procedure, Banner Health receives consultations and referrals from medical centers around the globe. Banner experts consult with companies that manufacture artificial hearts worldwide, providing guidance on surgical techniques, patient selection and management. This unique position establishes Banner Health as a front-runner in shaping the standard of care for total artificial heart technology.
Banner Health’s Advanced Heart Failure Program provides comprehensive care for patients at every stage of heart disease, from prevention and diagnosis to surgery, transplant and long-term follow-up. The program includes a dedicated cardiac rehabilitation unit that helps patients recover and regain their strength, starting while they’re still in the hospital and continuing after they go home.
DM Cantor named Law Firm of the Year
DM Cantor announced that it has been named Small and Medium-Sized Law Firm of the Year at the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards, hosted by AZ Business Magazine in partnership with the State Bar of Arizona and Arizona Corporate Counsel.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place on March 31, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix and was attended by more than 550 of Arizona’s top legal professionals and their guests. DM Cantor was selected from a competitive pool of distinguished finalists, including Udall Shumway, Coppersmith Brockelman, and Husch Blackwell.
The Excellence in Law Awards recognize outstanding legal professionals and firms across Arizona that demonstrate exceptional client service, innovative legal solutions, and an unwavering commitment to the integrity of the legal profession.
“This honor reflects the dedication and relentless effort of every member of our team,” said DM Cantor leadership. “We are incredibly proud of our colleagues whose daily commitment to excellence made this achievement possible.”
DM Cantor is comprised of 60 professionals, including 23 attorneys, working collaboratively across multiple practice areas. Despite its boutique size, the firm has established itself as a leader in the Arizona legal community. Notably, 8 of its 23 attorneys are Board-Certified Legal Specialists – more than any other law firm in Arizona.
The firm has built a strong reputation handling complex and high-stakes matters, including homicide, sex crime, and white-collar cases, often achieving full dismissals and prosecutorial “turn-downs.” In addition, DM Cantor maintains a large family law practice, managing cases ranging from straightforward divorces to high-conflict custody disputes, juvenile law matters, and high-net-worth divorce cases. The firm has also expanded its services to include estate planning and probate law to better meet the evolving needs of its clients.
This latest recognition adds to an already impressive year for DM Cantor. The firm was recently honored with five top-tier rankings in Ranking Arizona Magazine 2026, including:
- No. 1 in Criminal Defense/White Collar
- No. 1 in DUI Law
- No. 2 Top 10 Small Law Firms in Arizona
- No. 3 in Family Law
- No. 4 in Estate/Trust Law
- Best Places to Work in Law
These accolades underscore DM Cantor’s continued growth, excellence, and commitment to delivering outstanding legal representation across all practice areas.
“We are honored to be recognized among Arizona’s top law firms,” the firm added. “This achievement motivates us to continue raising the bar and striving for even greater success in the years ahead.”
U.S. Bank celebrates grand opening of new Tatum and Cactus branch in Phoenix
U.S. Bank is celebrating the grand opening of its new Tatum & Cactus branch on Wednesday, April 29 from 10 a.m. – noon, located at 4707 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032. This is the fourth branch U.S. Bank has opened in Phoenix since Q4 2024, and the first of five branches to be opened in 2026. U.S. Bank plans to open more branches in Phoenix in 2027.
U.S. Bank has identified Phoenix as a growth market, a region with a significant existing U.S. Bank presence and strong potential for continued expansion. In response to the area’s rapid growth, U.S. Bank is positioning itself to serve the community, and current and existing clients. This is coming to fruition through each of its business lines, committing to growth in ways that make the most sense for Phoenix and its residents.
During the event, U.S. Bank will present a $10,000 check to the Junior Achievement of Arizona, who is empowering the next generation of Arizonans by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to make smart academic, career, and economic choices.
“The opening of our Tatum & Cactus branch is another clear sign of our continued growth and long‑term commitment to the Phoenix market,” said Stephanie Cisneros, Branch Banking Market Leader for Arizona and Nevada. “As customer needs continue to evolve, we’re investing in modern branch designs that support deeper conversations, seamless digital tools, and a more welcoming in‑person experience. These new branches combine innovative technology with personalized service, ensuring our clients have the flexibility to bank how, when, and where they want.”
Inside the branch, customers will experience state-of-the-art and easy-to-navigate advancements. Bankers equipped with mobile tablets are available to help customers throughout different areas of the branch, including customer support stations that provide space for one-on-one conversations and replace the common teller lines. The branch also features engagement offices that provide a space for more in-depth conversations and a branch café with coffee and other beverages for customers. An in-lobby ATM is available for “one stop banking” where customers can make deposits, get cash with their choice of denominations, pay accounts online and more. In addition to a full-service drive-up, the branch also has a walk-up and drive-up ATM. Customers also have access to specialists in business and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage services.
One of the signature features of the branch is a community room available for use by customers, including nonprofit and small business customers, to hold gatherings and meetings. The space can be booked after branch hours and is equipped with a kitchenette and restroom for added convenience.
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