IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Nov 30, 2011) - Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: [ EW ]), the global leader in the science of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring, announced today that The Edwards Lifesciences Fund at the Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program will grant approximately $4 million to more than 200 non-profit organizations around the world this year. The announcement was made today at the Fund's Awards Celebration for the 2011 grant cycle, which was attended by many of the grant recipients. Since the Fund's inception, nearly $20 million has been granted.

"We feel very fortunate that Edwards' success has continued to provide fuel for non-profit programs, particularly as charitable giving has declined globally," said Michael A. Mussallem, Edwards Lifesciences' chairman and CEO. "We are inspired by the organizations that we support and are proud to enable them to continue their important work."

About The Edwards Lifesciences Fund

In 2004, the company established The Edwards Lifesciences Fund to support advancements in knowledge and improvements in quality of life, focusing primarily upon cardiovascular disease and the communities where its employees live and work. The Fund's mission is fulfilled by making strategic and community grants to qualified charitable organizations. Additional information about the Fund, including its Policies and Program Guidelines and grant history, can be found at [ www.Edwards.com/EdwardsFund ].

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 ].

Edwards is a trademark of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. Edwards Lifesciences and the stylized E logo are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office.