Role at Edwards Lifesciences
An ingenious engineer and entrepreneur who conceptualized and built the world's first artificial heart valve in 1958 in Santa Ana, California, revolutionizing cardiac surgery forever.
Edwards Lifesciences
Medical Technology & Structural Heart DiseaseFounded 1958- HQ today: Irvine, California, USA
Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya
Company data updated: November 2026
Founders
Who Founded Edwards Lifesciences?
Miles 'Lowell' Edwards, Dr. Albert Starr · Founded 1958 · HQ today: Irvine, California, USA
Who founded Edwards Lifesciences?
Edwards Lifesciences was founded by Miles 'Lowell' Edwards, Dr. Albert Starr in 1958. It is now led by Bernard J. Zovighian.
- Founders
- Miles 'Lowell' Edwards, Dr. Albert Starr
- Founded
- 1958
- Headquarters
- Irvine, California, USA
- Number of founders
- 2
- Current CEO
- Bernard J. Zovighian
- Where was Edwards Lifesciences founded?
- Edwards Lifesciences was founded in Santa Ana, California, USA in 1958.
- When was Edwards Lifesciences founded?
- Edwards Lifesciences was founded in 1958.
- Who started Edwards Lifesciences?
- Edwards Lifesciences was founded by Miles 'Lowell' Edwards and Dr. Albert Starr.
- How old is Edwards Lifesciences?
- Edwards Lifesciences is 68 years old as of 2026.
Founding Story
In 1958, an engineer named Miles Lowell Edwards set out to build an artificial heart. Convinced that a human heart could be replaced with mechanical devices, he partnered with pioneering cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Albert Starr. Together, they designed and successfully implanted the legendary Starr-Edwards caged-ball valve in 1960, giving birth to the modern artificial heart valve industry and establishing a legacy of relentless clinical innovation. Throughout its history, Edwards Lifesciences navigated complex technical evolutions, transitioning from early mechanical implant prototypes to modern precision bio-compatible devices and pulsed field energy systems. This sustained biomedical engineering focus allowed the company to survive cyclical reimbursement changes, out-innovate larger diversified conglomerates, and establish deep institutional trust with interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and cardiac surgeons worldwide.
What each Edwards Lifesciences founder did
| Founder | Role at founding | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Miles 'Lowell' Edwards | Founder & Inventor | — |
| Dr. Albert Starr | Co-Inventor & Surgeon | — |
Role at Edwards Lifesciences
Renowned cardiovascular surgeon at Oregon Medical School who partnered with Lowell Edwards to design, implant, and clinically validate the legendary Starr-Edwards caged-ball valve.
Edwards Lifesciences: CEO & Leadership History
Full timeline →Bernard J. Zovighian
Chief Executive Officer
Scott B. Ullem
Corporate Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Donald E. Bobo Jr.
Corporate Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development
Daveen Chopra
Corporate Vice President, Surgical Structural Heart
Larry L. Wood
Corporate Vice President, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Keep researching Edwards Lifesciences
Who Founded Edwards Lifesciences? FAQ
Who were the original founders of undefined?
undefined was founded in undefined by visionary industry leaders who identified significant structural inefficiencies in existing marketplace offerings and set out to create a more efficient, customer-focused enterprise.
What inspired the founding of undefined?
The founders were inspired by the realization that customers in undefined lacked access to transparent, technologically advanced, and cost-effective services, prompting them to develop a superior operational alternative.
What challenges did the founders face in the company's early years?
In its foundational era, undefined confronted skepticism from traditional incumbents, constrained initial startup capital, and the complex challenge of establishing brand trust and regulatory standing from scratch.
How does the founders' original philosophy influence undefined today?
The founding ethos of customer dedication, technical innovation, and conservative financial management remains deeply embedded in undefined's corporate DNA and operational decision-making today.
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