Edwards Lifesciences

Miles "Lowell" Edwards’ original vision, way back in 1958, was to build the 1st artificial heart. Persuaded that the project was too complex by Dr. Albert Starr, the duo turned their eyes toward creating an implant to replace the heart’s mitral valve. Two years later, the 1st Starr-Edwards valve was successfully implanted in a patient, marking the birth of Edwards Laboratories. Purchased by American Hospital Supply Corp. and re-named American Edwards Laboratories, the company was acquired by Baxter International in 1985. Baxter spun Edwards Lifesciences into being in early 2000.