Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Prevails in German Patent Infringement Case Initiated by Cook Incorporated

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - March 19, 2009) - Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the world leader in the science of heart valves, announced that the District Court of Düsseldorf, Germany, today determined that it does not infringe on Cook Inc.'s German transcatheter valve patent.

"We are very pleased with this first infringement decision and believe our invalidity case is even stronger," said Larry L. Wood, Edwards' corporate vice president, transcatheter valve replacement. "Edwards has invested substantially to assemble what we believe is the strongest and most comprehensive intellectual property portfolio in transcatheter heart valves, and we are committed to protecting our interests."

A counter-suit by Edwards claiming invalidity of Cook's German patent is expected to be heard in Munich in 2010. Edwards has a separate lawsuit against Cook in the United Kingdom that challenges the validity of Cook's UK transcatheter valve patent. Cook has counter-sued there, claiming infringement. That case is scheduled to be heard in May.

About Edwards Lifesciences

Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring, with more than five decades of experience in partnering with clinicians to develop life-saving innovations. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Edwards treats advanced cardiovascular disease with its market-leading heart valve therapies, and critical care and vascular technologies, which are sold in approximately 100 countries. The company's global brands include Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, Edwards SAPIEN, FloTrac, Fogarty, PERIMOUNT Magna and Swan-Ganz. Additional company information can be found at http://www.edwards.com.

Edwards is a trademark of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, Edwards SAPIEN, FloTrac, Fogarty, Magna, PERIMOUNT Magna and Swan-Ganz are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.