Clinical data suggests potential cost savings in patient care through implementation of perioperative goal-directed therapy

IRVINE - Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring, today announced the publication in Critical Care of an analysis on the clinical and economic impacts of post-surgical complications in patients undergoing major surgery. The study highlights the significant increase in costs to U.S. institutions resulting from post-surgical complications and suggests potential cost savings with the implementation of perioperative goal-directed therapy (PGDT).

The study, "Tackling the Economic Burden of Post-Surgical Complications: Would Perioperative Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy Help?", found that in 75,140 patients in 2011 who underwent one of 10 major abdominal, orthopedic, vascular or urologic surgeries, post-surgical complications increased hospital costs by 172 percent. The study also suggests that the use/implementation of PGDT may potentially result in gross cost savings of $43 million to $73 million per year for the study population, or $569-$970 per patient.

"Perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy has been shown to decrease post surgical complications and our study gives an estimate of potential related savings," said lead study author Dr. Gerard Manecke, M.D., professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, UCSD Medical Center. "Adopting PGDT can make a difference for patients and hospitals by helping to standardize fluid management, enhance surgical recovery, and decrease unnecessary costs."

PGDT is a general term referring to targeted hemodynamic and fluid management using parameters such as stroke volume, cardiac output, and/or oxygen delivery, in conjunction with standard vital signs in managing patients during and immediately after surgery. Edwards offers an Enhanced Surgical Recovery Program (ESR) to help hospitals implement PGDT. Multiple studies have shown decreased complications in major surgery when PGDT is used1,2 and it is now recommended in several countries3,4,5.

The study was co-authored by Gerard R. Manecke, M.D., professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, UCSD Medical Center, Angela Asemota, M.S., University of California San Diego School of Medicine, and Frederic Michard, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, global medical strategy, critical care, Edwards Lifesciences. Dr. Manecke is also a paid consultant for Edwards.

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, enabling them to save and enhance lives. Additional company information can be found at www.edwards.com.

1. Hamilton M, Cecconi M, Rhodes A: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of preemptive hemodynamic intervention to improve outcomes in moderate and high-risk surgery. Anesth Analg 2011; 112:1392-1402

2. Pearse RM, Harrison DA, McDonald N, Gillies MA, Blunt M, Ackland G, Grocott MPW, Ahern A, Griggs K, Scott R, Hinds C, Rowan K: Effect of a perioperative, cardiac output-guided, hemodynamic therapy algorithm on outcomes following major astrointestinal surgery: A randomized clinical trial and updated systematic review. JAMA 2014

3. Mythen MG, Swart M, Acheson N, Crawford R, Jones K, Kuper M, McGrath JS, Horgan A: Perioperative fluid management: Consensus statement from the enhanced recovery partnership. Perioperative Medicine 2012; 1:2

4. Vallet B, Blanloeil Y, Cholley B, Orliaguet G, Pierre S, Tavernier B. Guidelines for perioperative haemodynamic optimization. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 2013; 32:454-62

5. Gustafsson UO, Scott MJ, Schwenk W, Demartines N, Roulin D, Francis N, McNaught CE, MacFie J, Liberman AS, Soop M, Hill A, Kennedy RH, Lobo DN, Fearon K, Ljungqvist O: Guidelines for perioperative care in elective colonic surgery: enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) society. World J Surg 2013; 37:259-284

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 Dr. Manecke's statements and statements regarding potential cost savings and benefits of PGDT. 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 to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements based on a number of factors including but not limited to broader clinical experience and economic analysis of PGDT, or unexpected changes or delays related to supply, quality and availability of products used in PGDT, or regulatory decisions. 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, 2013.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, and the stylized E logo are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Media Contact: Steve Chesterman, 949-250-5070

Investor Contact: David K. Erickson, 949-250-6826