Leading Heart Valve Manufacturer, Edwards Lifesciences, Reaches 52-Week High

By Adam Pick on June 22, 2009

When it comes to making investments, I’m no Warren Buffet.

However, every once in-a-while, I come across a company that is uniquely positioned within a growing industry. Such is the case of… Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW). As you may know, Edwards Lifesciences, founded in 1958, is the leading heart valve replacement manufacturer on the planet.

 

 

I originally became familiar with Edwards Lifesciences as I prepared for my own heart valve replacement surgery. However, I really became interested in Edwards’ product and financial strengths during the research for my book.

In 2007, I was lucky to tour Edwards headquarters, to walk through its heart valve museum and to visit its manufacturing center in Irvine, California. During that visit, I learned more about the history of the company, its unique product portfolio and its ongoing dedication to patients requiring heart valve surgery.

 
 

Edwards Lifesciences Heart Valve Museum
The Heart Valve Museum At Edwards Lifesciences

 
 

Edwards commitment to the heart valve market is proving valuable to its shareholders. I just learned that the company’s shares touched $68.23 last week. That is a 52-week high for the Edwards. (You might recall that I have highlighted the company’s financial performance on a few occasions. Since my first blog, the stock has increased $14 per share, a 26% increase.)

Again, I’m no Warren Buffet… This is simply a very good company that is making a difference in the lives of people with heart valve disease.

Keep on tickin!
Adam


Written by Adam Pick
- Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick, Heart Valve Patient Advocate

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.


John Cullen says on June 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm

Hello Adam. Are you familiar with the On-X valve made by Medical Carbon Research Group in Austin TX? It looks to me like it may require less anti-coagulation because of it’s patented silicone-free pyrolytic carbon surface, lower pressure gradients, and improved pivot washing. I am new to this game since I just found out a few weeks ago that I will require double-valve surgery. But after reading about this valve I am leaning towards it, Unless I hear something bad about it. I am 68 yr old and the thought of maintaining a high INR number in my old age worries me a lot.

They have implanted a lot of these valves in South Africa where they have a large number of patients who don’t take their Coumadin, and the incidence of thrombosis is as low with these people as would be expected with St. Jude valves with patients who properly maintain their INR levels. They are conducting clinical trials now with lower INR levels. Preliminary results are good. If it is approved by the FDA with lower INR levels, this valve might become the most popular one. What do you think?
John


Leave a Reply

Newest Community Post

Graeme says, ""
Read more

Karen says, "Scheduled to have my heart catheter on"
Read more

Katherine says, "Since my AVR in 2023, I struggle with my"
Read more

Find Heart Valve Surgeons

Search 1,500 patient-recommended surgeons