Edwards Lifesciences Grants University of California, Irvine $5 Million to Establish the Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Edwards Lifesciences Corporation , a world leader in products and technologies to treat advanced cardiovascular disease, today announced its $5 million multi-year grant to The Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Irvine to establish The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology. This new center is focused on researching and developing the next generation of cardiovascular devices.

"We are proud to partner with a neighbor that is as accomplished and committed to excellence as UC Irvine to establish a center devoted to cardiovascular technology research," said Michael A. Mussallem, Edwards Lifesciences' chairman and CEO. "This grant is a testament to our dedication to providing innovative solutions for people fighting cardiovascular disease, as well as our commitment to strengthening the communities in which we live and work."

The Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology will promote interaction and collaboration between students, faculty members and experts by incorporating both undergraduate and graduate programs related to heart and vascular diseases. The center will also provide a training environment for hosting prominent experts in the field of cardiovascular technology. It will be located in a new building on the UC Irvine campus scheduled for completion in August 2009.

"We are pleased to closely collaborate with Edwards Lifesciences, an international leader in cardiovascular technology, to develop a center that combines exceptional faculty, resources and tools to advance this evolving field," said Nicolaos G. Alexopoulos, dean of The Henry Samueli School of Engineering. "UC Irvine is located in one of the largest medical device company clusters in the world, which I believe uniquely positions us to address this critical health care area and initiate a world class center."

Edwards' gift to UC Irvine comes from The Edwards Lifesciences Fund, which supports advancements in knowledge and improvements in quality of life to help those affected by cardiovascular disease, particularly in the communities where the company's employees live and work.

About Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

Edwards Lifesciences, a leader in advanced cardiovascular disease treatments, is the number-one heart valve company in the world and the global leader in acute hemodynamic monitoring. Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Edwards focuses on specific cardiovascular opportunities including heart valve disease, peripheral vascular disease and critical care technologies. The company's global brands, which are sold in nearly 100 countries, include Carpentier-Edwards, Cosgrove-Edwards, FloTrac, Fogarty, LifeStent, PERIMOUNT Magna, and Swan-Ganz. Additional company information can be found at http://www.edwards.com. Information about The Edwards Lifesciences Fund can be found at http://www.edwards.com/EdwardsFund.

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

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

CONTACT: Media, Amanda C. Fowler, +1-949-250-5070, or Investors, David K.Erickson, +1-949-250-6826, both for Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

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