SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
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Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12

EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION

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May 13, 2003

VIA FACSIMILE

Mr. Eric D. Roiter
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Fidelity Management & Research Company
82 Devonshire Street, E30E
Boston, MA 02109

Re:  Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (the "Company")

Dear Mr. Roiter:

        In response to your question about the Company's Long-Term Stock Incentive Compensation Program ("Program"), please be advised that it is the intention of management to recommend to the Board of Directors that it amend the Program to fully and promptly align it with the revisions required by the New York Stock Exchange with regard to shareholder control over equity compensation plans.

        As you know, the NYSE's final provisions in this regard (intended to be incorporated in the NYSE Listed Company Manual) have not yet been issued, pending SEC approval. However, we believe that the applicable NYSE rule, as most recently proposed on October 7, 2002, would require stockholder approval if the Company contemplated any of the following changes to the Program in the future:

        Edwards Lifesciences recognizes the importance of good corporate governance as a means of addressing the needs of the Company's stockholders, employees, customers, suppliers and community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. My telephone number is (949) 250-6819.

Sincerely yours,

/s/ Bruce P. Garren

Bruce P. Garren
Corporate Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary