Edwards Lifesciences to Be Added to the S&P 500 Index

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - March 25, 2011) - Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring, announced today that Standard & Poor’s (S&P) will add Edwards to the S&P 500 Index after the close of trading on Thursday, March 31, 2011.

“We are honored to be added to the S&P 500 Index. We attribute this milestone to the company’s solid performance, resulting from the hard work of our employees in the development of innovative medical technologies for patients,” said Thomas M. Abate, Edwards’ corporate vice president, chief financial officer.

About Edwards Lifesciences
Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company partners with clinicians to develop innovative technologies in the areas of structural heart disease and critical care monitoring that enable them to save and enhance lives. Additional company information can be found at www.edwards.com.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to develop innovative medical technologies. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or experience to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements based on a number of factors including but not limited to unexpected market developments, the timing and scope of regulatory approvals, new product launches and reimbursement decisions, expanded clinical experience, unexpected supply, regulatory or quality matters, or economic developments in key markets. These factors are detailed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences and the stylized E logo are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation.