UPDATE 1-Edwards Lifesciences net income triples

* Q1 profit excl items 70 cents vs. analysts' 69 cents

* Net sales rise 5.6 percent to $313.5 million

* Bumps up low end of 2009 profit outlook by 2 cents

CHICAGO, April 27 (Reuters) - Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW.N) said on Monday quarterly net earnings more than tripled on strong sales of its replacement heart valves.

The world's largest maker of heart valves said first-quarter net income rose to $60.5 million, or $1.03 a share, from $18.2 million, or 31 cents a share, in the same period a year ago.

Excluding special items, earnings increased to $41 million, or 70 cents a share, from $33.2 million, or 56 cents a share, a year ago.

Analysts had expected 69 cents a share, according to Reuters Estimates.

First-quarter net sales rose 5.6 percent to $313.5 million.

The Irvine, California-based medical device maker said it expects full-year sales at the upper end of its forecast of $1.24 billion to $1.30 billion. It raised the low end of its forecast range for full-year earnings by 2 cents, bringing the range to between $2.95 and $3.03 a share. (Reporting by Susan Kelly; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)