Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 27, 2012	Oct. 28, 2011	Apr. 26, 2013	Apr. 27, 2012	Apr. 29, 2011
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance as of			$ 9,934	$ 9,520
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions			414	404
Purchase accounting adjustments, net	11	29	3	44
Currency adjustments, net			(22)	(34)
Balance as of	9,934		10,329	9,934	9,520
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Finite-Lived And Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Original Cost	4,495		4,771	4,495
Accumulated amortization	(1,848)		(2,098)	(1,848)
Carrying value			2,310
Aggregate carrying amount of intangible assets	2,647		2,673	2,647
Amortization of intangible assets			331	335	339
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
2014			337
2015			321
2016			308
2017			286
2018			271
Thereafter			787
Carrying value			2,310
Purchased Technology and Patents
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	3,604		3,896	3,604
Accumulated amortization	(1,440)		(1,702)	(1,440)
Carrying value	2,164		2,194	2,164
Intangible assets, estimated useful life			12 years 6 months	12 years 7 months 6 days
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
Carrying value	2,164		2,194	2,164
Trademarks and Tradenames
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	373		408	373
Accumulated amortization	(307)		(320)	(307)
Carrying value	66		88	66
Intangible assets, estimated useful life			11 years 9 months 18 days	10 years 3 months 18 days
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
Carrying value	66		88	66
Acquired IPR&D
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	370		363	370
Other
Balance of intangible assets, excluding goodwill
Original cost	148		104	148
Accumulated amortization	(101)		(76)	(101)
Carrying value	47		28	47
Intangible assets, estimated useful life			8 years 9 months 18 days	9 years 7 months
Estimated aggregate amortization expense
Carrying value	47		28	47
Cardiac and Vascular Group
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance as of			2,636	2,662
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions			0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments, net			0	6
Currency adjustments, net			(12)	(32)
Balance as of	2,636		2,624	2,636
Restorative Therapies Group
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance as of			7,298	6,858
Goodwill as a result of acquisitions			414	404
Purchase accounting adjustments, net			3	38
Currency adjustments, net			(10)	(2)
Balance as of	$ 7,298		$ 7,705	$ 7,298