<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0000912057-02-032564
<TYPE>S-8
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>5
<FILING-DATE>20020815
<EFFECTIVENESS-DATE>20020815
<FILER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP
<CIK>0001099800
<ASSIGNED-SIC>8731
<IRS-NUMBER>364316614
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>DE
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>S-8
<ACT>33
<FILE-NUMBER>333-98219
<FILM-NUMBER>02740349
</FILING-VALUES>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>17221 RED HILL AVE
<CITY>IRVINE
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>92614
<PHONE>9492502500
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>17221 RED HILL AVE
<CITY>IRVINE
<STATE>CA
<ZIP>92614
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>CVG CONTROLLED INC
<DATE-CHANGED>19991126
</FORMER-COMPANY>
</FILER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>S-8
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>a2087516zs-8.htm
<DESCRIPTION>FORM S-8
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#02MOC1489_1">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2002  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<HR NOSHADE>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
Under<BR>
The Securities Act of 1933  </B></FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction<BR>
of incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>36-4316614<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(IRS Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>One Edwards Way<BR>
Irvine, California 92614<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION OF PUERTO RICO SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN<BR>
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION 401(K) SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the Plan(s)) </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Michael A. Mussallem<BR>
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation<BR>
One Edwards Way<BR>
Irvine, California 92614<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name and address of agent for service)<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>(949)&nbsp;250-2500<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Telephone Number, including area code, of agent for service) </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE ALIGN="CENTER" WIDTH="120">
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><BR><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="33%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be Registered(1)(2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Share(3)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(3)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> Common Stock, $1.00 par value</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>500,000 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$24.75</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$12,375,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$1,139</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2>Preferred Stock Purchase Rights</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>500,000 rights</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2><I>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> Common Stock, $1.00 par value</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>15,000,000 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$24.75</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$371,250,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$34,155</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="33%"><FONT SIZE=2>Preferred Stock Purchase Rights</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>15,000,000 rights</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>15,500,000 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3 ALIGN="RIGHT" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>Aggregate Registration Fee</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$35,294</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD COLSPAN=9 VALIGN="BOTTOM"><HR NOSHADE></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>This
Registration Statement shall also cover any additional shares of common stock which become issuable under the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and
Investment Plan and the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without
the Registrant's receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the outstanding shares of Registrant's common stock.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Pursuant
to Rule&nbsp;416(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") this Registration Statement shall also cover an indeterminate amount of interests to be
offered pursuant to the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan and the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Calculated
solely for purposes of this offering under Rule&nbsp;457(h) of the Securities Act on the basis of the average of the high and low selling price per share of the
Registrant's common stock on August&nbsp;14, 2002, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
preferred stock purchase rights initially are attached to and trade with the shares of common stock being registered hereby. Value attributable to such rights, if any, is
reflected in the market price of the common stock.   </FONT></DD></DL>
<BR>
<HR NOSHADE>
<HR NOSHADE>
<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=393014,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]BA1489A.;6',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;16:19' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="page_ja1489_1_1"> </A> </FONT></P>

<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_part_ii_information_req__ja102480"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>    <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_2"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>Item 3. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Incorporation of Documents by Reference    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (the "Registrant"), the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan and the Edwards Lifesciences
Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan hereby incorporate by reference into this Registration Statement the following documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"): </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001, filed with the Commission on March&nbsp;22, 2002;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the period ended March&nbsp;31, 2002, filed with the Commission on May&nbsp;13, 2002;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the period ended June&nbsp;30, 2002, filed with the Commission on August&nbsp;14, 2002;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
descriptions of the Registrant's common stock and the related preferred stock purchase rights associated with the common stock, which descriptions are contained in the
registration statement on Form&nbsp;8-A and the section entitled "Description of Edwards Lifesciences Capital Stock" in the registration statement on Form&nbsp;10, including any
amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such descriptions. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act")
after the date of this Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which
de-registers all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement
to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_item_4._description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 4. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Description of Securities    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 5. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Interests of Named Experts and Counsel    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 6. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Indemnification of Directors and Officers    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In accordance with Section&nbsp;102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), the Registrant's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides that directors will not be personally liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of their fiduciary duty as directors except for
(i)&nbsp;breaches of their duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders, (ii)&nbsp;acts of omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
law, (iii)&nbsp;certain transactions under Section&nbsp;174 of the DGCL (which concerns unlawful payments of dividends, stock purchases or redemptions) or (iv)&nbsp;transactions from which a
director derives an improper personal benefit. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-1</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=2,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=708582,FOLIO='II-1',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]JA1489A.;4',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;13:58' -->
<A NAME="page_ja1489_1_2"> </A>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While
the Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides directors with protection from awards for monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, it does not eliminate
their duty of care. Accordingly, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation will have no effect on the availability of equitable remedies such as an injunction or rescission based on a director's
breach of his or her duty of
care. The provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation described above apply to an officer of the Registrant only if he or she is a director of the Registrant and is acting in his or her
capacity as director, and do not apply to the Registrant's officers who are not directors. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that each person who is, or was, or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Registrant, and each person who
serves, or may have served, at the Registrant's request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, will be indemnified by
the Registrant to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as amended from time to time. Directors and officers will not be indemnified with respect to an action commenced by such directors or
officers against the Registrant or by such directors or officers as a derivative action. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant's Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that the right to indemnification and payment of expenses conferred therein will not be exclusive of any other right that
any person may have or may in the future acquire under any agreement, vote or stockholders, vote of disinterested directors or otherwise. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation permits the
Registrant to maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or is serving at the request of the Registrant as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Registrant would have the power to indemnify
such person against such liability under the Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant has obtained directors and officers liability insurance providing coverage to its directors and officers. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 7. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Exemption from Registration Claimed    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 8. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Exhibits    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="76%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Instruments Defining the Rights of Stockholders. Reference is made to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A and the section entitled "Description of Edwards Lifesciences Capital Stock" in the registration
statement on Form 10, together with any exhibits to such registration statements, which are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Item 3(d) to this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter dated November 27, 2001.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>5.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter dated November 6, 2001.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1489_item_9._undertakings"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1489_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Item 9. </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>Undertakings    <BR>  </I></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1)&nbsp;to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to
this Registration Statement: (i)&nbsp;to include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the 1933 Act, (ii)&nbsp;to reflect in the prospectus any facts or </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-2</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=3,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=208916,FOLIO='II-2',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]JA1489A.;4',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;13:58' -->
<A NAME="page_ja1489_1_3"> </A>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>
events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement and (iii)&nbsp;to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in
this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement; provided, however, that clauses (1)(i)&nbsp;and (1)(ii)&nbsp;shall not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or
Section&nbsp;15(d) of the 1934 Act that are incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement; (2)&nbsp;that for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act each such
post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and (3)&nbsp;to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at
the termination of the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan and the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the 1934 Act that is incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the
indemnification provisions summarized in Item 6 or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-3</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=3,SEQ=4,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=701624,FOLIO='II-3',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]JA1489A.;4',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;13:58' -->
<BR>
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1489_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1489_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of
the requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8, and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Irvine, State of California on this 15th day of August, 2002. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL A. MUSSALLEM</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Michael A. Mussallem<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="81%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="30%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL A. MUSSALLEM</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Michael A. Mussallem</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>BRUCE J. BENTCOVER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Bruce J. Bentcover</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
*</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mike. R. Bowlin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
*</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Vernon R. Loucks Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
*</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Corinne H. Lyle</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
*</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Philip M. Neal</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
*</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> David E.I Pyott</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="83%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
*By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL A. MUSSALLEM</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="39%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Michael A. Mussallem<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Attorney-in-Fact</I></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=5,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=809432,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]JC1489A.;5',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;13:59' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION OF PUERTO RICO SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN.</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Act, the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
the City of Irvine, State of California on this 15th day of August, 2002. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>BRUCE J. BENTCOVER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Bruce J. Bentcover<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Member of the Administrative and Investment Committee for the
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Employee Benefit Plans</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION 401(K) SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN.</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Irvine, State of California on this 15th day of August, 2002. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="78%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2><B>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>BRUCE J. BENTCOVER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Bruce J. Bentcover<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Member of the Administrative and Investment Committee for the
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Employee Benefit Plans</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=6,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=813839,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]JE1489A.;3',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;13:23' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ka1489_exhibit_index"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ka1489_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT INDEX    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="76%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Instruments Defining the Rights of Stockholders. Reference is made to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-A and the section entitled "Description of Edwards Lifesciences Capital Stock" in the registration
statement on Form 10, together with any exhibits to such registration statements, which are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Item 3(d) to this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter dated November 27, 2001.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>5.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Edwards Lifesciences Corporation of Puerto Rico Savings and Investment Plan Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter dated November 6, 2001.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Accountants.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=7,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1",CHK=336881,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]KA1489A.;5',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;13:59' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02MOC1489_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_1">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_2">Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_3">Item 4. Description of Securities</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_4">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_5">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_6">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_7">Item 8. Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1489_8">Item 9. Undertakings</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1489_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka1489_1">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=JHILL,SEQ=,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="1" -->
<!-- TOCEXISTFLAG -->
</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-5.1
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>a2087516zex-5_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5.1
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#02MOC1489_2">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ke1489_exhibit_5.1"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ke1489_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 5.1    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE<BR>
P.0. BOX 2508<BR>
CINCINNATI, OH 45201</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: NOV 27 2OOl</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Employer Identification Number:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-4345053<BR>
DLN:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17007178022031</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION<BR>
ONE EDWARDS WAY<BR>
IRVINE, CA 92614</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>Person to Contact:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ROBERTO ARROYO ID# 11080<BR>
Contact Telephone Number:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(877)&nbsp;829-5500<BR>
Plan Name:<BR>
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;401K SAVINGS&nbsp;&amp; INVESTMENT PLAN<BR>
Plan Number: 001</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P><FONT SIZE=2>Dear
Applicant: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have made a favorable determination on the plan identified above based on the information you have supplied. Please keep this letter, the application forms submitted to request this
letter and all correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service regarding your application for a determination letter in your permanent records. You must retain this information to preserve your
reliance on this letter. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continued
qualification of the plan under its present form will depend on its effect in operation. See section&nbsp;1.401-1(b)(3) of the Income Tax Regulations. We will
review the status of the plan in operation periodically. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
enclosed Publication 794 explains the significance and the scope of this favorable determination letter based on the determination requests selected on your application forms.
Publication 794 describes the information that must be retained to have reliance on this favorable determination letter. The publication also provide examples of the effect of a plan's operation on
its qualified status and discusses the reporting requirements for qualified plans. Please read Publication 794. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
letter relates only to the status of your plan under the Internal Revenue Code. It is not a determination regarding the effect of other federal or local statutes. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
determination is subject to your adoption of the proposed amendments submitted in your letter dated October&nbsp;31, 2001. The proposed amendments should be adopted on or before
the date prescribed by the regulations under Code section&nbsp;401(b) </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
determination letter is applicable for the plan adopted on April&nbsp;1, 2000. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
letter considers the changes in qualification requirements made by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, Pub. L. 103-465, the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Pub.
L. 104-188, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-353, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105-34, the Internal
Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Pub. L. 105-206, and the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000, Pub. L. 106-554. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
requirement for employee benefits plans to file summary plan descriptions (SPD) with the U.S. Department of Labor was eliminated effective August&nbsp;5, 1997. For more details,
call 1-800-998-7542 for a free copy of the SPD card. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have sent a copy of this letter to your representative as indicated in the power of attorney. </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="2",CHK=1021167,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]KE1489A.;4',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;14:00' -->
<A NAME="page_ke1489_1_2"> </A>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
you have questions concerning this matter, please contact the person whose name and telephone number are shown above. </FONT></P>

<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Sincerely
yours, </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>/s/
Paul T. Shultz<BR>
Paul T. Shultz<BR>
Director, Employee Plans Rulings&nbsp;&amp; Agreements </FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Enclosures:<BR>
Publication 794 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=2,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="2",CHK=987913,FOLIO='2',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]KE1489A.;4',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;14:00' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02MOC1489_2">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ke1489_1">EXHIBIT 5.1</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=JHILL,SEQ=,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="2" -->
<!-- TOCEXISTFLAG -->
</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-5.2
<SEQUENCE>4
<FILENAME>a2087516zex-5_2.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 5.2
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#02MOC1489_3">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="kg1489_exhibit_5.2"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_kg1489_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 5.2    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE<BR>
P.O. BOX 2508<BR>
CINCINNATI, OH 45201</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=2>DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: NOV 06 2001</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Employer Identification Number:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;66-0579279<BR>
DLN:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17007164017021</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION OF<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PUERTO RICO<BR>
ONE EDWARDS WAY<BR>
IRVINE, CA 92614</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>Person to Contact:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JOHN SANTORE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ID# 95020<BR>
Contact Telephone Number:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(877)&nbsp;829 5500<BR>
Plan Name:<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP PUERTO<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RICO SAVINGS&nbsp;&amp; INVESTMENT PLAN<BR>
Plan Number: 024</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->


<P><FONT SIZE=2>Dear
Applicant: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have made a favorable determination on the plan identified above based on the information you have supplied. Please keep this letter, the application forms submitted to request this
letter and all correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service regarding your application for a determination letter in your permanent records. You must retain this information to preserve your
reliance on this letter. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continued
qualification of the plan under its present form will depend on its effect in operation. See section&nbsp;1.401 1(b)(3) of the Income Tax Regulations. We will review the
status of the plan in operation periodically. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
enclosed Publication 794 explains the significance and the scope of this favorable determination letter based on the determination requests selected on your application forms.
Publication 794 describes the information that must be retained to have reliance on this favorable determination letter. The publication also provide examples of the effect of a plan's operation on
its qualified status and discusses the reporting requirements for qualified plans. Please read Publication 794. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
letter relates only to the status of your plan under the Internal Revenue Code. It is not a determination regarding the effect of other federal or local statutes. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
determination is subject to your adoption of the proposed amendments submitted in your letter dated 101201. The proposed amendments should be adopted on or before the date
prescribed by the regulations under Code section&nbsp;401(b) </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
determination letter is applicable for the amendment(s) executed on 010101. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
determination letter is applicable for the plan adopted on 032100. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This
letter considers the changes in qualification requirements made by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, Pub. L. 103-465, the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Pub.
L. 104-188, the Uniformed Services Emp1oyment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-353, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105-34, the Internal
Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, Pub, L. 105-206, and the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000, 3ub. L. 106-554. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
requirement for employee benefits plans to file summary plan descriptions (SPD) with the U.S. Department of Labor was eliminated effective August&nbsp;5, 1997. For more details,
call 1-800-998-7542 for a free copy of the SPD card. </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="3",CHK=429189,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]KG1489A.;6',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;14:01' -->
<A NAME="page_kg1489_1_2"> </A>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
have sent a copy of this letter to your representative as indicated in the power of attorney. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If
you have questions concerning this matter, please contact the person whose name and telephone number are shown above. </FONT></P>

<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Sincerely
yours, </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>/s/
Paul T. Shultz<BR>
Paul T. Shultz<BR>
Director, Employee Plans Rulings&nbsp;&amp; Agreements<BR></FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Enclosures:<BR>
Publication 794 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=2,SEQ=2,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="3",CHK=547880,FOLIO='2',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]KG1489A.;6',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;14:01' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02MOC1489_3">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kg1489_1">EXHIBIT 5.2</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>
<!-- SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=JHILL,SEQ=,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="3" -->
<!-- TOCEXISTFLAG -->
</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.1
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>a2087516zex-23_1.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23.1
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#02MOC1489_4">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 23.1  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="kk1489_consent_of_independent_accountants"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_kk1489_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 of our report dated February&nbsp;5, 2002,
relating to the financial statements and financial statement schedule of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, which appears in the Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Form&nbsp;10-K for the
year ended December&nbsp;31, 2001. </FONT></P>

<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>
<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>/s/
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP </FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Orange
County, California<BR>
August 14, 2002 </FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="4",CHK=983919,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]KK1489A.;5',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;13:27' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02MOC1489_4">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_kk1489_1">CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=JHILL,SEQ=,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="4" -->
<!-- TOCEXISTFLAG -->
</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-24
<SEQUENCE>6
<FILENAME>a2087516zex-24.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 24
<TEXT>
<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>
</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" LINK=BLUE  VLINK=PURPLE>
<BR>
<FONT SIZE=3 ><A HREF="#02MOC1489_5">QuickLinks</A></FONT>
<font size=3> -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document</font>
<!-- TOC_END -->
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>EXHIBIT 24  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="km1489_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_km1489_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That the undersigned directors of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, a Delaware corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint Michael Mussallem, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer and Bruce J. Bentcover, Corporate Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and each of them, the lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power and authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys and agents, and any one of them, determine may be necessary or
advisable or required to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules or regulations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in
connection with this Registration Statement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the power and authority to sign the names of the
undersigned directors to this Registration Statement, to any and all amendments, both pre-effective and post-effective, and supplements to this Registration Statement, and to
any and all instruments or documents filed as part of or in conjunction with this Registration Statement or amendments or supplements thereof, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms
that all said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT
SIZE=2><B>IN WITNESS WHEREOF</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated. </FONT></P>

<!-- User-specified TAGGED TABLE -->
<TABLE WIDTH="81%" BORDER=0 CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="30%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL A. MUSSALLEM</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Michael A. Mussallem</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board and<BR>
Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MIKE R. BOWLIN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Mike R. Bowlin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 8, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>VERNON R. LOUCKS JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Vernon R. Loucks Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 7, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>CORINNE H. LYLE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Corinne H. Lyle</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>PHILIP M. NEAL</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Philip M. Neal</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="44%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAVID E. I. PYOTT</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> David E. I. Pyott</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="30%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
August 15, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<!-- end of user-specified TAGGED TABLE -->

<HR NOSHADE>
<!-- ZEQ.=1,SEQ=1,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="5",CHK=647170,FOLIO='blank',FILE='DISK025:[02MOC9.02MOC1489]KM1489A.;8',USER='JHILL',CD='15-AUG-2002;16:21' -->
<!-- THIS IS THE END OF A COMPOSITION COMPONENT -->
<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02MOC1489_5">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_km1489_1">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>

<!-- SEQ=,FILE='QUICKLINK',USER=JHILL,SEQ=,EFW="2087516",CP="EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION",DN="5" -->
<!-- TOCEXISTFLAG -->
</BODY>
</HTML>

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SUBMISSION>
