Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Jul. 29, 2011

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables) [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill

	Cardiac and		Restorative
(in millions)	Vascular Group		Therapies Group		Total
Balance as of April 29, 2011	$	2,679	$	6,858	$	9,537
Currency adjustment, net		(2)		6		4
Balance as of July 29, 2011	$	2,677	$	6,864	$	9,541

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Text Block]

	Purchased		Trademarks
	Technology and		and		Acquired
(in millions)	Patents		Tradenames		IPR&D		Other		Total
Amortizable intangible assets as of July 29, 2011:
Original cost	$	3,527	$	373	$	337	$	148	$	4,385
Accumulated amortization		(1,296)		(299)		-		(95)		(1,690)
Carrying value	$	2,231	$	74	$	337	$	53	$	2,695
Amortizable intangible assets as of April 29, 2011:
Original cost	$	3,565	$	373	$	338	$	150	$	4,426
Accumulated amortization		(1,265)		(290)		-		(94)		(1,649)
Carrying value	$	2,300	$	83	$	338	$	56	$	2,777

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Text Block]

(in millions)	Estimated
Fiscal Year	Amortization Expense
Remaining 2012	$	214
2013		286
2014		274
2015		259
2016		247
Thereafter		1,078
Total estimated amortization expense	$	2,358