Edwards Lifesciences Files Patent Suits

Edwards Lifesciences Corp. said Thursday it filed patent infringement lawsuits in federal court against Medtronic Inc. and St. Jude Medical Inc.

Irvine-based Edwards, a manufacturer of products to treat cardiovascular diseases, said it is seeking injunctions and damages in both lawsuits.

Edwards Lifesciences alleges that Minneapolis-based Medtronic is infringing patents relating to aortic heart valves and to annuloplasty rings, bands and holders.

The suit against St. Jude alleges that the St. Paul, Minn., company is infringing three of Edwards’ patents, two relating to annuloplasty items and one involving manufacturing methods used to make tissue heart valves.

A spokesman for St. Jude said he can’t comment until he sees the complaint. A spokeswoman for Medtronic declined immediate comment.