Boston Scientific (BSX) 10-Q 31 Jul 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 25, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	885,725
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,382,924,777

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net sales	$ 2,490	$ 2,257	$ 4,870	$ 4,418
Cost of products sold	739	632	1,411	1,282
Gross profit	1,751	1,625	3,458	3,136
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	886	815	1,746	1,609
Research and development expenses	275	244	536	480
Royalty expense	17	17	35	34
Amortization expense	147	142	288	285
Intangible asset impairment charges	34	0	35	0
Contingent consideration expense (benefit)	(4)	(24)	1	(74)
Restructuring charges (credits)	5	1	18	5
Litigation-related net charges (credits)	0	205	0	208
Operating expenses	1,359	1,400	2,659	2,547
Operating income (loss)	392	225	799	589
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(57)	(58)	(119)	(115)
Other, net	12	(76)	(11)	(78)
Income (loss) before income taxes	347	91	670	396
Income tax expense (benefit)	(209)	(55)	(183)	(40)
Net income (loss)	$ 555	$ 146	$ 853	$ 436
Net income (loss) per common share — basic	$ 0.40	$ 0.11	$ 0.62	$ 0.32
Net income (loss) per common share — assuming dilution	$ 0.40	$ 0.11	$ 0.61	$ 0.31
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic	1,380.5	1,369.8	1,378.5	1,367.6
Assuming dilution	1,398.9	1,391.1	1,397.8	1,390.6

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Net income (loss)	$ 555	$ 146	$ 853	$ 436
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(45)	13	(36)	21
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax	158	(21)	78	(76)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax	0	2	0	2
Net change in unrealized costs associated with certain retirement plans	0	(1)	0	(1)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	112	(7)	42	(54)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 668	$ 139	$ 895	$ 382

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 208	$ 188
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,587	1,548
Inventories	1,087	1,078
Prepaid income taxes	46	66
Other current assets	1,001	942
Total current assets	3,929	3,822
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,715	1,697
Goodwill	7,242	6,998
Other intangible assets, net	5,934	5,837
Other long-term assets	796	688
TOTAL ASSETS	19,615	19,042
Current liabilities:
Current debt obligations	1,685	1,801
Accounts payable	403	530
Accrued expenses	2,266	2,456
Other current liabilities	399	867
Total current liabilities	4,753	5,654
Long-term debt	4,808	3,815
Deferred income taxes	364	191
Other long-term liabilities	1,945	2,370
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 50,000,000 shares, none issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 2,000,000,000 shares - issued 1,628,876,252 shares as of June 30, 2018 and 1,621,062,898 shares as of December 31, 2017	16	16
Treasury stock, at cost - 247,566,270 shares as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017	(1,717)	(1,717)
Additional paid-in capital	17,231	17,161
Accumulated deficit	(7,770)	(8,390)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(16)	(59)
Total stockholders’ equity	7,744	7,012
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 19,615	$ 19,042

Condensed Consolidated Balance5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,628,876,252	1,621,062,898
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	1,381,309,982	1,373,496,628
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Treasury Stock, Shares	247,566,270	247,566,270

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$ (210)	$ 290
Investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(134)	(180)
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(418)	(392)
Payments for investments and acquisitions of certain technologies	(112)	(47)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(664)	(619)
Financing activities:
Payment of contingent consideration amounts previously established in purchase accounting	(5)	(18)
Payments on long-term borrowings	(602)	(600)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance and extinguishment costs	989	0
Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper	472	1,013
Proceeds from borrowings on credit facilities	569	2,156
Payments on borrowings from credit facilities	(569)	(2,216)
Cash used to net share settle employee equity awards	(52)	(62)
Proceeds from issuances of shares of common stock	53	44
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities	856	317
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	(5)	2
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	(23)	(11)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period	188
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period	208	195
Supplemental Information
Stock-based compensation expense	68	62
Fair value of contingent consideration recorded in purchase accounting	$ 140	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Supplemental Disclosure) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 208	$ 188	$ 195
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	756	803	255
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	31	26	27
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 994	$ 1,017	$ 476	$ 487

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Boston Scientific Corporation have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. When used in this report, the terms, "we," "us," "our," and "the Company" mean Boston Scientific Corporation and its divisions and subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018 . For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Item 8 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Amounts reported in millions within this report are computed based on the amounts in thousands. As a result, the sum of the components reported in millions may not equal the total amount reported in millions due to rounding. Certain columns and rows within tables may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying numbers in dollars. Prior year balances were subject to rounding. Revision of Reportable Segments Effective January 1, 2018, following organizational changes to align the company's business and organization structure focused on active implantable devices, we revised our reportable segments, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting. The revision reflects a reclassification of our Neuromodulation business from our Medical Surgical (MedSurg) segment to our newly created Rhythm and Neuro segment. We have revised prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation (as denoted with an asterisk throughout *). There was no revision to operating segments or reporting units as a result of the organizational change. See Note C – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Note K – Segment Reporting for further details. Subsequent Events We evaluate events occurring after the date of our most recent accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet for potential recognition or disclosure in our financial statements. We did not identify any material subsequent events requiring adjustment to our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (recognized subsequent events) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . Those items requiring disclosure (unrecognized subsequent events) in the financial statements have been disclosed accordingly. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments and Note I – Commitments and Contingencies for more information. Accounting Standards Implemented Since December 31, 2017 ASC Update No. 2014-09 In May 2014, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which was subsequently updated. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Under this method, we applied FASB ASC Topic 606 to contracts that were not complete as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606 . Prior period amounts are not adjusted and are reported in accordance with legacy GAAP requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . Due to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , we recorded a net reduction to retained earnings of $177 million on January 1, 2018, primarily related to the cost of providing non-contractual post-implant support to certain customers, which we historically deemed immaterial in the context of the arrangement. Upon the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , when we sell a device with an implied non-contractual post-implant support obligation, we forward accrue the cost of the service within Selling, general and administrative expenses and recognize it at the point in time the associated revenue is earned. We release the accrual over the related service period. These costs were previously expensed as incurred due to such service obligation being non-contractual. The impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets resulted in an increase in Other current liabilities of $58 million and an increase in Other long-term liabilities of $205 million as of June 30, 2018, as a result of accruing for our post-implant support obligation. We also recorded deferred tax assets primarily related to post-implant support, resulting in an increase in Other long-term assets of $12 million and a reduction in Deferred income taxes of $41 million . The remaining impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 was not material to our financial position or results of operations. Refer to Note L – Revenue for additional details. ASC Update No. 2016-01 In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) : Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The purpose of Update No. 2016-01 is to improve financial reporting for financial instruments by reducing the number of items recorded to other comprehensive income. We adopted Update No. 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018, using both the modified retrospective and prospective methods. For publicly-held securities, we used the modified retrospective approach. Unrealized gains and losses previously recorded to Other comprehensive income (loss) were reclassified to retained earnings and all future fair value changes will be recorded to Net income (loss) . For privately-held securities, we elected the measurement alternative approach for our existing investments, which is applied prospectively upon adoption. This approach requires entities to measure their investments at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. The actual impact to future periods resulting from fair value changes of our equity investments is difficult to predict as it will depend on their future performance. ASC Update No. 2016-16 In October 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The purpose of Update No. 2016-16 is to allow an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to waiting until the asset is sold to a third party, or impaired. Update No. 2016-16 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted Update No. 2016-16 prospectively in the first quarter of 2018 and recognized a net reduction to opening retained earnings of $55 million for income tax consequences not previously recognized for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories. All future income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories will be recognized through Income tax expense (benefit) . ASC Update No. 2017-12 In August 2017, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) : Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The purpose of Update No. 2017-12 is to simplify the application of hedge accounting and better align financial reporting of hedging relationships with risk management objectives. Update No. 2017-12 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. We early adopted Update No. 2017-12 in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of the standard had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Acquisitions and Strategic Inve

Acquisitions and Strategic Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS	NOTE B – ACQUISITIONS AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS 2018 Acquisitions Claret Medical, Inc. On July 20, 2018, we announced the signing of our agreement to acquire Claret Medical, Inc. (Claret Medical), a privately-held company that has developed and commercialized the Sentinel™ Cerebral Embolic Protection System. The device is used to protect the brain during certain interventional procedures, predominately in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The transaction price consists of an upfront cash payment of $220 million , as well as a potential reimbursement-based milestone payment of up to $50 million . The acquisition is projected to close during the third quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. Upon closing, Claret Medical will be integrated into our Interventional Cardiology business. Cryterion Medical, Inc. On July 5, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of Cryterion Medical, Inc. (Cryterion), a privately-held company developing a single-shot cryoablation platform for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. We have been an investor in Cryterion since its inception in 2016 and the transaction price to acquire the approximately 65 percent we did not already own was an upfront cash payment of $202 million . We are in the process of integrating Cryterion into our Electrophysiology business. NxThera, Inc. On April 30, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of NxThera, Inc. (NxThera), a privately-held company that developed the Rezûm™ System, a minimally invasive therapy in a growing category of treatment options for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The transaction consists of an upfront cash payment of $306 million , and up to an additional $100 million in potential commercial milestone payments over the next four years. We had an existing minority investment in NxThera, which resulted in a net upfront cash payment of approximately $240 million upon closing and a potential additional milestone payment of up to approximately $85 million . We are in the process of integrating NxThera into our Urology and Pelvic Health business. nVision Medical Corporation On April 16, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of nVision Medical Corporation (nVision), a privately-held company focused on women’s health. nVision developed the first and only device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect cells from the fallopian tubes, offering a potential platform for earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The transaction consists of an upfront cash payment of $150 million , and up to an additional $125 million in potential clinical and commercial milestones over four years. We are in the process of integrating nVision into our Urology and Pelvic Health business. In addition, we completed other individually immaterial acquisitions during the first six months of 2018 for total consideration of $50 million in cash at closing plus aggregate contingent consideration of up to $10 million . Purchase Price Allocation We accounted for these acquisitions as business combinations, and in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805 , Business Combinations , we recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values as of the acquisition dates. The components of the aggregate preliminary purchase prices are as follows: (in millions) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 419 Fair value of contingent consideration 140 Fair value of prior interests 81 $ 639 The following summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocations for the acquisitions as of June 30, 2018 : (in millions) Goodwill $ 273 Amortizable intangible assets 418 Other assets acquired 53 Liabilities assumed (5 ) Deferred tax liabilities (99 ) $ 639 We allocated a portion of the preliminary purchase prices to specific intangible asset categories as follows: Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 410 10 - 13 17% - 23% Other intangible assets 7 6 - 13 13% - 15% $ 418 2017 Acquisitions Symetis SA On May 16, 2017, we announced the closing of our acquisition of Symetis SA (Symetis), a privately-held Swiss structural heart company focused on minimally-invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement devices, for approximately $430 million in cash. We are in the process of integrating Symetis into our Interventional Cardiology business. Purchase Price Allocation We accounted for the acquisition of Symetis as a business combination, and in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805 , we recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. The purchase price was comprised of the following component: (in millions) Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired $ 391 The following summarizes the purchase price allocation for the Symetis acquisition as of June 30, 2018 : (in millions) Goodwill $ 183 Amortizable intangible assets 278 Other assets acquired 25 Liabilities assumed (95 ) $ 391 We allocated a portion of the purchase price to specific intangible asset categories as follows: Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 268 13 24% Other intangible assets 10 2-13 24% $ 278 Our technology-related intangible assets consist of technical processes, intellectual property and institutional understanding with respect to products and processes that we will leverage in future products or processes and will carry forward from one product generation to the next. We used the multi-period excess earnings method, a form of the income approach, to derive the fair value of the technology-related intangible assets and are amortizing them on a straight-line basis over their assigned estimated useful lives. Goodwill was primarily established due to synergies expected to be gained from leveraging our existing operations as well as revenue and cash flow projections associated with future technologies and has been allocated to our reportable segments based on the relative expected benefit. Based on preliminary estimates updated for applicable regulatory changes, the goodwill recorded relating to our 2018 and 2017 acquisitions is not deductible for tax purposes. Contingent Consideration Within the Contingent consideration expense (benefit) caption of our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations , we recorded a net benefit of $4 million during the second quarter of 2018 , a net benefit of $24 million during the second quarter of 2017 , a net expense of $1 million during the first six months of 2018 and a net benefit of $74 million during the first six months of 2017 related to the changes in fair value of our contingent consideration liability. We made contingent consideration payments of $9 million during the first six months of 2018 and $28 million during the first six months of 2017 . Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 169 Amounts recorded related to new acquisitions 140 Purchase price adjustments related to prior acquisitions (22 ) Contingent consideration expense (benefit) 1 Contingent consideration payments (9 ) Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 279 As of June 30, 2018 , the maximum amount of future contingent consideration (undiscounted) that we could be required to pay was approximately $1.532 billion . The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our contingent consideration liability include the following significant unobservable inputs: Contingent Consideration Liability Fair Value as of June 30, 2018 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range R&D and Commercialization-based Milestones $159 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 3 % - 4% Projected Year of Payment 2018 - 2022 Revenue-based Payments $120 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 11 % - 15% Projected Year of Payment 2018 - 2026 Projected contingent payment amounts related to some of our research and development (R&D), commercialization-based and revenue-based milestones are discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Projected revenues are based on our most recent internal operational budgets and strategic plans. Increases or decreases in projected revenues, probabilities of payment, discount rates or the time until payment is made may result in significantly lower or higher fair value measurements. Strategic Investments On January 24, 2018, we closed an investment and entered into an acquisition option agreement with Millipede, Inc. (Millipede), a privately-held company that has developed the IRIS Transcatheter Annuloplasty Ring System for the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation. Under the terms of the agreements, we have purchased a portion of the outstanding shares of Millipede along with newly issued shares of the company for a total consideration of $90 million . We also have the option to acquire the remaining shares of the company at any time prior to the completion of a first-in-human clinical study that meets certain parameters. Upon the completion of the clinical study, Millipede has the option to compel us to acquire the remaining shares of the company. Each company’s option period expires by the end of 2019. Completion of this acquisition would result in an additional $325 million payment by us at closing with a further $125 million becoming payable upon achievement of a commercial milestone. On November 1, 2017, we entered into a definitive agreement with an investee company where we could have been obligated to pay $145 million in cash up-front and a maximum of $130 million in contingent payments to acquire the investee. The agreement contained a provision, expiring October 31, 2019, allowing the investee company to sell the remaining equity interests of the investee company to us upon achievement of a regulatory milestone and an option allowing us to acquire the remaining equity interests. We sent a notice of termination to the investee company in the second quarter of 2018. The aggregate carrying amount of our strategic investments were comprised of the following categories: As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Equity method investments $ 281 $ 209 Measurement alternative investments 82 81 Publicly-held securities 1 15 Notes receivable 18 47 $ 382 $ 353 These investments are classified as Other long-term assets within our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets , in accordance with U.S. GAAP and our accounting policies. As of June 30, 2018 , the book value of our equity method investments exceeded our share of the book value of the investees’ underlying net assets by approximately $328 million , which represents amortizable intangible assets, in-process research and development, deferred tax liabilities and goodwill.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE C – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The gross carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization for intangible assets subject to amortization and accumulated write-offs of goodwill are as follows: As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization/ Write-offs Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization/ Write-offs Amortizable intangible assets Technology-related $ 9,698 $ (5,032 ) $ 9,386 $ (4,880 ) Patents 517 (384 ) 517 (379 ) Other intangible assets 1,640 (897 ) 1,633 (838 ) $ 11,855 $ (6,314 ) $ 11,536 $ (6,097 ) Unamortizable intangible assets Goodwill $ 17,142 $ (9,900 ) $ 16,898 $ (9,900 ) In-process research and development (IPR&D) 273 — 278 — Technology-related 120 — 120 — $ 17,535 $ (9,900 ) $ 17,295 $ (9,900 ) Effective January 1, 2018, we reclassified our Neuromodulation operating segment and associated goodwill balance from our Medsurg reportable segment to our Rhythm and Neuro reportable segment as discussed in Note A – Basis of Presentation . This change did not trigger a goodwill impairment assessment or impact our total goodwill carrying value. The following represents our goodwill balance by global reportable segment: (in millions) MedSurg Rhythm and Neuro Cardiovascular Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 2,877 $ 417 $ 3,704 $ 6,998 Impact of reportable segment revisions (1,379 ) 1,379 — — Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other changes in carrying amount (2 ) (22 ) (5 ) (29 ) Goodwill acquired 248 25 — 273 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 1,744 $ 1,799 $ 3,699 $ 7,242 Goodwill Impairment Testing In the second quarter of 2018 , we performed our annual goodwill impairment test for all of our reporting units and concluded the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. Based on the criteria prescribed in FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , we assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. For our 2018 and 2017 annual impairment assessments, we identified seven reporting units: Interventional Cardiology, Peripheral Interventions, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Electrophysiology, Endoscopy, Urology and Pelvic Health and Neuromodulation. We aggregated the Cardiac Rhythm Management and Electrophysiology reporting units, components of the Rhythm Management operating segment, based on the criteria prescribed in FASB ASC Topic 350 . In performing the goodwill impairment assessment, we utilized both the optional qualitative assessment and the quantitative approach prescribed under FASB ASC Topic 350 . In 2018, we performed a qualitative assessment for our Urology and Pelvic Health and Neuromodulation reporting units since their fair values have historically exceeded carrying value by greater than 100 percent. The remaining reporting units were quantitatively tested for impairment. For the reporting units subject to a qualitative assessment, if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the quantitative approach of the goodwill impairment test is necessary. In 2018 , for all reporting units tested using the qualitative assessment, we concluded that it was unnecessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. For all reporting units tested using the quantitative approach, we concluded that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. Refer to Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates within Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our annual goodwill impairment testing.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	NOTE D – HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We address market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates through risk management programs which include the use of derivative financial instruments. We operate these programs pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies and do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. Our derivative instruments do not subject our earnings to material risk, as the gains or losses on these derivatives generally offset losses or gains recognized on the hedged item. We manage concentration of counterparty credit risk by limiting acceptable counterparties to major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings, limiting the amount of credit exposure to individual counterparties and by actively monitoring counterparty credit ratings and the amount of individual credit exposure. We also employ master netting arrangements that limit the risk of counterparty non-payment on a particular settlement date to the net gain that would have otherwise been received from the counterparty. Although not completely eliminated, we do not consider the risk of counterparty default to be significant as a result of these protections. Further, none of our derivative instruments are subject to collateral or other security arrangements, nor do they contain provisions that are dependent on our credit ratings from any credit rating agency. Our risk from changes in currency exchange rates consists primarily of monetary assets and liabilities, forecast intercompany and third-party transactions and net investments in certain subsidiaries. We manage currency exchange rate risk at a consolidated level to reduce the cost of hedging by taking advantage of offsetting transactions. We employ derivative instruments, primarily forward currency contracts, to reduce the risk to our earnings and cash flows associated with changes in currency exchange rates. The success of our currency risk management program depends, in part, on forecast transactions denominated primarily in British pound sterling, Euro and Japanese yen. We may experience unanticipated currency exchange gains or losses to the extent the actual activity is different than forecast. In addition, changes in currency exchange rates related to any unhedged transactions may impact our earnings and cash flows. Certain of our currency derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 , Derivatives and Hedging and are intended to protect the U.S. dollar value of forecasted transactions. The gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (OCI) and is included in the Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (AOCI) caption of our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets until the underlying third-party transaction occurs. When the related third-party transaction occurs, we recognize the gain or loss in earnings within the Cost of products sold caption of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations . In the event the hedging relationship is no longer effective, or if the hedged forecast transaction becomes no longer probable of occurring, we reclassify the amount of gains or losses on the derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge to earnings at that time. We also use forward currency contracts that are not part of designated hedging relationships under FASB ASC Topic 815 as a part of our strategy to manage our exposure to currency exchange rate risk related to monetary assets and liabilities and related forecast transactions. These non-designated currency forward contracts have an original time to maturity consistent with the hedged currency transaction exposures, generally less than one year, and are marked-to-market with changes in fair value recorded to earnings and reflected within the Other, net caption of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations . Our interest rate risk relates primarily to U.S. dollar borrowings partially offset by U.S. dollar cash investments. We use interest rate derivative instruments to manage our earnings and cash flow exposure to changes in interest rates. Under these agreements we and the counterparty, at specified intervals, exchange the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. We designate these derivative instruments either as fair value or cash flow hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 . The changes in the fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged debt instrument generally offset and are recorded within the Interest expense caption of our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations . We record the changes in the fair value of interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges within OCI , which is included within the AOCI caption of our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets until the underlying hedged transaction occurs, at which time we recognize the gain or loss within Interest expense . In the event the hedging relationship is no longer effective, or if the hedged forecast transaction becomes no longer probable of occurring, we reclassify the amount of gains or losses on the interest rate derivative designated as a cash flow hedge to earnings at that time. We are amortizing the realized gains or losses from interest rate derivative instruments previously designated as fair value or cash flow hedges into earnings as a component of Interest expense over the remaining term of the hedged item in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815 , so long as the hedge relationship remains effective. Prior to the adoption of ASC Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), the ineffective portion, if any, of our interest rate derivatives designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges was recognized in earnings in the period in which the hedging relationship exhibited ineffectiveness. Certain of our currency forward contracts are designated as net investment hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 and are intended to hedge a portion of our net investments in certain of our European, Swiss and Japanese operating entities. We have elected to use the spot method to assess effectiveness for our derivatives that are designated as net investment hedges. Under the spot method, the change in fair value attributable to changes in the spot rate is recorded in the Foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA), which is included within the AOCI caption of our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets . Therefore, the spot-forward difference is excluded from the assessment of effectiveness and accounted for separately. Consistent with FASB ASC Topic 815 , we have elected to amortize the excluded spot-forward difference associated with the currency forward contracts as calculated at the date of designation. Amortization will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the currency forward contracts from the AOCI caption of our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets to reported earnings as a reduction of Interest expense. The following table presents the contractual amounts of our derivative instruments outstanding: (in millions) FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge $ 4,205 $ 3,252 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge 1,455 — Forward currency contracts Non-designated 2,635 2,671 Total Notional Outstanding $ 8,295 $ 5,923 The remaining time to maturity as of June 30, 2018 is within 60 months for all designated forward currency contracts and generally less than one year for all non-designated forward currency contracts. We had no interest rate derivative instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The following presents the effect of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and net investment hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 on our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations : (in millions) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Effective Amount Recognized in OCI Effective Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings Location Total Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) Tax Benefit (Expense) Gain (Loss) Net of Tax Pre-Tax (Gain) Loss Tax (Benefit) Expense (Gain) Loss Net of Tax Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 739 $ 194 $ (44 ) $ 151 $ 10 $ (2 ) $ 7 Forward currency contracts Interest expense (57 ) 21 (5 ) 16 (7 ) 2 (5 ) $ 215 $ (48 ) $ 167 $ 3 $ (1 ) $ 2 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 632 $ (6 ) $ 2 $ (4 ) $ (27 ) $ 10 $ (17 ) $ (6 ) $ 2 $ (4 ) $ (27 ) $ 10 $ (17 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 1,411 $ 77 $ (17 ) $ 59 $ 25 $ (6 ) $ 19 Forward currency contracts Interest expense (119 ) 21 (5 ) 16 (7 ) 2 (5 ) $ 97 $ (22 ) $ 76 $ 18 $ (4 ) $ 14 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 1,282 $ (64 ) $ 23 $ (41 ) $ (55 ) $ 21 $ (34 ) Interest rate derivative contracts Interest expense (115 ) — — — (1 ) — (1 ) $ (64 ) $ 23 $ (41 ) $ (56 ) $ 21 $ (35 ) For our outstanding net investment hedges, the net gain or loss reclassified from AOCI to earnings as a reduction of Interest expense represents the straight-line amortization of the excluded component as calculated at the date of designation. This initial value has been excluded from the assessment of effectiveness in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815 . As of June 30, 2018 , pre-tax net gains or losses for our derivative instruments designated, or previously designated, as fair value and cash flow hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 that may be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months are presented below (in millions): Designated Derivative Instrument FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation Location in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) that may be Reclassified to Earnings Interest rate derivative contracts Fair value hedge Interest expense $ 12 Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedge Interest expense 1 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge Cost of products sold 11 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge Interest expense 41 Net gains and losses on currency hedge contracts not designated as hedging instruments offset by net gains and losses from currency transaction exposures are presented below: Location in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net gain (loss) on currency hedge contracts Other, net $ 32 $ 5 $ 8 $ (12 ) Net gain (loss) on currency transaction exposures Other, net (33 ) (13 ) (17 ) 4 Net currency exchange gain (loss) $ (1 ) $ (8 ) $ (9 ) $ (8 ) Fair Value Measurements FASB ASC Topic 815 requires all derivative instruments to be recognized at their fair values as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We determine the fair value of our derivative instruments using the framework prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures and considering the estimated amount we would receive or pay to transfer these instruments at the reporting date when taking into account current currency exchange rates, interest rates, the creditworthiness of the counterparty for unrealized gain positions and our own creditworthiness for unrealized loss positions. In certain instances, we may utilize financial models to measure fair value of our derivative instruments. In doing so, we use inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability and inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means. The following are the balances of our derivative assets and liabilities: Location in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (1) As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivative Assets: Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets $ 24 $ 7 Forward currency contracts Other long-term assets 94 57 Net investment hedges Other long-term assets 21 — 139 64 Non-Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets 64 18 Total Derivative Assets $ 202 $ 82 Derivative Liabilities: Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities $ 9 $ 37 Forward currency contracts Other long-term liabilities 10 33 19 69 Non-Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities 26 21 Total Derivative Liabilities $ 45 $ 90 (1) We classify derivative assets and liabilities as current when the settlement date of the derivative contract is one year or less. Recurring Fair Value Measurements On a recurring basis, we measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Where quoted market prices or other observable inputs are not available, we apply valuation techniques to estimate fair value. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The category of a financial asset or a financial liability within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows: • Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are other observable inputs, including quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities and market-corroborated inputs. • Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs based on management’s best estimate of inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following: As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market and government funds $ 49 $ — $ — $ 49 $ 21 $ — $ — $ 21 Publicly-held securities 1 — — 1 15 — — 15 Forward currency contracts — 202 — 202 — 82 — 82 $ 50 $ 202 $ — $ 253 $ 36 $ 82 $ — $ 118 Liabilities Forward currency contracts $ — $ 45 $ — $ 45 $ — $ 90 $ — $ 90 Accrued contingent consideration — — 279 279 — — 169 169 $ — $ 45 $ 279 $ 324 $ — $ 90 $ 169 $ 259 Our investments in money market and government funds are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. These investments are classified as Cash and cash equivalents within our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets , in accordance with U.S. GAAP and our accounting policies. In addition to $49 million invested in money market and government funds as of June 30, 2018 , we had $159 million in interest bearing and non-interest bearing bank accounts. In addition to $21 million invested in money market and government funds as of December 31, 2017 , we had $167 million in interest bearing and non-interest bearing bank accounts. Our recurring fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs relate solely to our contingent consideration liability. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments for a discussion of the changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability. Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements We hold certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition. The fair value of a measurement alternative investment is not estimated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments for a discussion of our strategic investments. Refer to Note C – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for a discussion of the fair values. The fair value of our outstanding debt obligations was $6.702 billion as of June 30, 2018 and $5.945 billion as of December 31, 2017 . We determined fair value by using quoted market prices for our publicly registered senior notes, classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy, amortized cost for commercial paper and face value for term loans and credit facility borrowings outstanding. Refer to Note E – Borrowings and Credit Arrangements for a discussion of our debt obligations.

Borrowings and Credit Arrangeme

Borrowings and Credit Arrangements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
BORROWINGS AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	NOTE E – BORROWINGS AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS We had total debt of $6.493 billion as of June 30, 2018 and $5.616 billion as of December 31, 2017 . The debt maturity schedule for the significant components of our long-term debt obligations is presented below: (in millions, except interest rates) Issuance Date Maturity Date As of Semi-annual Coupon Rate June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 October 2018 Notes August 2013 October 2018 — †† 2.650% January 2020 Notes December 2009 January 2020 850 850 6.000% May 2020 Notes May 2015 May 2020 600 600 2.850% May 2022 Notes May 2015 May 2022 500 500 3.375% October 2023 Notes August 2013 October 2023 450 450 4.125% May 2025 Notes May 2015 May 2025 750 750 3.850% March 2028 Notes February 2018 March 2028 1,000 — 4.000% November 2035 Notes November 2005 November 2035 350 350 7.000% January 2040 Notes December 2009 January 2040 300 300 7.375% Unamortized Debt Issuance Discount 2020 - 2040 (32 ) (24 ) Unamortized Gain on Fair Value Hedges 2020 - 2023 32 38 Capital Lease Obligation Various 8 1 Long-term debt $ 4,808 $ 3,815 †† As of December 31, 2017 , $600 million under the October 2018 Notes was outstanding and classified as short-term debt. Note: The table above does not include unamortized amounts related to interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges. Revolving Credit Facility As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we maintained a $2.250 billion revolving credit facility (the 2017 Facility) with a global syndicate of commercial banks that matures on August 4, 2022. This facility provides backing for the commercial paper program described below. There were no amounts borrowed under our revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . The 2017 Facility requires that we maintain certain financial covenants, as follows: Covenant Requirement Actual as of June 30, 2018 as of June 30, 2018 Maximum leverage ratio (1) 3.5 times 2.4 times (1) Ratio of total debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit agreement, for the preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters. The 2017 Facility provides for an exclusion from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the agreement, through maturity, of any non-cash charges and up to $500 million in restructuring charges and restructuring-related expenses related to our current or future restructuring plans. As of June 30, 2018 , we had $400 million of the restructuring charge exclusion remaining. In addition, any cash litigation payments (net of any cash litigation receipts), as defined by the 2017 Facility, are excluded from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2017 Facility, provided that the sum of any excluded net cash litigation payments does not exceed $2.624 billion in the aggregate. As of June 30, 2018 , we had $1.526 billion of the legal exclusion remaining. Any inability to maintain compliance with these covenants could require us to seek to renegotiate the terms of our credit facility or seek waivers from compliance with these covenants, both of which could result in additional borrowing costs. Further, there can be no assurance that our lenders would agree to such new terms or grant such waivers on terms acceptable to us. In this case, all credit facility commitments would terminate and any amounts borrowed under the facility would become immediately due and payable. Furthermore, any termination of our credit facility may negatively impact the credit ratings assigned to our commercial paper program which may impact our ability to refinance any then outstanding commercial paper as it becomes due and payable. Commercial Paper As of June 30, 2018 , we had $1.685 billion of commercial paper outstanding and $1.197 billion outstanding as of December 31, 2017 . Our commercial paper program is backed by the 2017 Facility, which allows us to have a maximum of $2.250 billion in commercial paper outstanding. Outstanding commercial paper directly reduces borrowing capacity available under the 2017 Facility . As of June 30, 2018 , the commercial paper issued and outstanding had a weighted average maturity of 46 days and a weighted average yield of 2.58 percent . As of December 31, 2017 , the commercial paper issued and outstanding had a weighted average maturity of 38 days and a weighted average yield of 1.85 percent . Senior Notes We had senior notes outstanding of $4.800 billion as of June 30, 2018 and $4.400 billion as of December 31, 2017 . In February 2018, we completed an offering of $1.000 billion in aggregate principal amount of 4.000% senior notes, due March 2028. We used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to repay the $600 million plus accrued interest of our 2.650% senior notes due in October 2018. The remaining proceeds were used to repay a portion of our outstanding commercial paper. Our senior notes were issued in public offerings, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to sinking fund requirements. Our senior notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations and rank on parity with each other. These notes are effectively junior to borrowings under our credit and security facility, and to the extent borrowed by our subsidiaries, to liabilities of our subsidiaries (see Other Arrangements below). Other Arrangements As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we maintained a $400 million credit and security facility secured by our U.S. trade receivables maturing in February 2019. We had no outstanding borrowings as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 under our credit and security facility. We have accounts receivable factoring programs in certain European countries and with commercial banks in Japan which include promissory notes discounting programs. We account for our factoring programs as sales under FASB ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing . We have no retained interest in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administration, and once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Amounts de-recognized for accounts and notes receivable, which are excluded from Trade accounts receivable, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets , are aggregated by contract denominated currency below (in millions): As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Factoring Arrangements Capacity (1) Amount De-recognized Average Interest Rate Capacity (1) Amount De-recognized Average Interest Rate Euro denominated $ 442 $ 161 1.5 % $ 456 $ 171 1.8 % Yen denominated (2) $ 470 $ 216 0.5 % $ 195 $ 157 1.3 % (1) The capacities are translated from local currency to U.S. dollar using the spot rates on the last business day of each period. (2) The factoring arrangements denominated in Japanese yen consist of two arrangements, one with a maximum capacity of 22.000 billion yen, which has been discontinued as of June 30, 2018, and a new arrangement with a maximum capacity of 30.000 billion yen entered into during March 2018 . Debt Covenants Compliance As of and through June 30, 2018 , we were in compliance with all the required covenants related to our debt obligations. For additional information regarding the terms of our debt agreements, refer to Note E - Borrowings and Credit Arrangements of the consolidated financial statements in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Restructuring Related Activitie

Restructuring Related Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES	NOTE F – RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES 2016 Restructuring Plan On June 6, 2016, our Board of Directors approved and we committed to a restructuring initiative (the 2016 Restructuring Plan). The 2016 Restructuring Plan is intended to develop global commercialization, technology and manufacturing capabilities in key growth markets and build on our Plant Network Optimization (PNO) strategy, which is intended to simplify our manufacturing plant structure by transferring certain production lines among facilities and expanding operational efficiencies in support of our operating income margin goals. Key activities under the 2016 Restructuring Plan include strengthening global infrastructure through evolving global real estate assets and workplaces, developing global commercial and technical competencies, enhancing manufacturing and distribution expertise in certain regions and continuing implementation of our PNO strategy. These activities were initiated in the second quarter of 2016 and are expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2018. We revised the original estimate for the costs and savings associated with the program in the first quarter of 2018, as approved by the Board of Directors. The following table provides a summary of our estimates of costs associated with the 2016 Restructuring Plan by major type of cost: Type of cost Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred Restructuring charges: Termination benefits $105 million to $115 million Other (1) $35 million to $60 million Restructuring-related expenses: Other (2) $135 million to $150 million $275 million to $325 million (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to the 2016 Restructuring Plan, including program management, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs and costs to transfer product lines among facilities. Approximately $250 million to $300 million of these charges are estimated to result in cash outlays. The following presents these costs (credits) by major type and line item within our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ 5 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 16 — 16 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — (5 ) (5 ) — 16 (5 ) 11 $ 2 $ 16 $ (3 ) $ 15 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ — $ — $ 1 $ 1 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 12 — 12 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 3 3 — 12 3 15 $ — $ 12 $ 4 $ 16 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ 15 $ — $ 3 $ 18 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 23 — 23 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 3 3 — 23 3 26 $ 15 $ 23 $ 6 $ 43 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ 3 $ — $ 2 $ 5 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 24 — 24 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 6 6 — 24 6 30 $ 3 $ 24 $ 8 $ 35 The following table presents cumulative restructuring and restructuring-related charges as of June 30, 2018 , by major type: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan Termination benefits $ 63 Other (1) 18 Total restructuring charges 82 Transfer costs 83 Other (2) 19 Restructuring-related expenses 102 $ 184 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to our Restructuring Plan, including program management, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs and costs to transfer product lines among facilities. Cash payments were made using cash generated from operations and are comprised of the following: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Termination benefits $ 20 Transfer costs 23 Other 8 $ 51 Program to Date Termination benefits $ 47 Transfer costs 82 Other 19 $ 148 Our restructuring liability is primarily comprised of accruals for termination benefits. The following is a rollforward of the termination benefit liability, which is reported as a component of Accrued expenses included in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets : (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan Accrued as of December 31, 2017 $ 22 Charges (credits) 15 Cash payments (20 ) Accrued as of June 30, 2018 $ 18

Supplemental Balance Sheet Info

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures	NOTE G – SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION Components of selected captions in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows: Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 208 $ 188 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in Other current assets 756 803 Restricted cash equivalents included in Other long-term assets 31 26 $ 994 $ 1,017 Trade accounts receivable, net As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 1,650 $ 1,645 Allowance for doubtful accounts (63 ) (68 ) Allowance for sales returns (1) — (30 ) $ 1,587 $ 1,548 (1) Due to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 effective January 1, 2018, the allowance for sales returns has been prospectively reclassified from Trade accounts receivable, net to Other current liabilities within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets . Prior period balances remain unchanged. The following is a rollforward of our allowance for doubtful accounts: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 67 $ 75 $ 68 $ 73 Net charges to expenses 4 2 8 5 Utilization of allowances (8 ) (3 ) (14 ) (4 ) Ending balance $ 63 $ 74 $ 63 $ 74 Inventories As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Finished goods $ 689 $ 685 Work-in-process 102 110 Raw materials 296 284 $ 1,087 $ 1,078 Property, plant and equipment, net As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 102 $ 102 Buildings and improvements 1,124 1,120 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3,255 3,183 Capital in progress 229 219 4,709 4,625 Accumulated depreciation (2,995 ) (2,928 ) $ 1,715 $ 1,697 Depreciation expense was $70 million for the second quarter of 2018 , $65 million for the second quarter of 2017 , $137 million for the first six months of 2018 and $127 million for the first six months of 2017 . Accrued expenses As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Legal reserves $ 1,043 $ 1,176 Payroll and related liabilities 528 591 Accrued contingent consideration 52 36 Other 644 653 $ 2,266 $ 2,456 Other long-term liabilities As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accrued income taxes $ 781 $ 1,275 Legal reserves 221 436 Accrued contingent consideration 227 133 Other 716 525 $ 1,945 $ 2,370

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE H – INCOME TAXES Our effective tax rate from continuing operations is presented below: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Effective tax rate from continuing operations (60.3 )% (60.3 )% (27.3 )% (10.1 )% The change in our reported tax rates for the first six months of 2018 , as compared to the same period in 2017 , relates primarily to the impact of certain receipts and charges that are taxed at different rates than our effective tax rate, including intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition-related items, restructuring items, litigation-related items, as well as certain discrete tax items including the effective settlement of our transfer pricing dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the 2001 through 2010 tax years and the impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted on December 22, 2017. On June 6, 2018, a decision was entered by the United States Tax Court resolving all disputes related to the transfer pricing issues for Guidant Corporation's 2001 through 2006 tax years and our 2006 and 2007 tax years as well as the tax issues related to our 2006 transaction with Abbott Laboratories. Additionally, on May 24, 2018, we resolved all issues with the IRS Office of Appeals for our 2008 through 2010 tax years, including the transfer pricing issue and other unrelated issues. The final settlement calculation included certain elections made in these relevant years and resulted in a final net tax payment of $303 million plus $307 million of estimated interest, which was remitted to the IRS on June 15, 2018. Due to the final settlement of these disputes, we recorded a net tax benefit of $250 million as of June 30, 2018. We currently expect to resolve the IRS examination of our 2011 through 2013 tax years before the end of 2018. We expect that the exam will be concluded utilizing the same transfer pricing methodologies employed in the 2001 through 2010 tax years. We believe we have recorded sufficient reserves with respect to these periods and therefore do not expect to recognize any additional charges related to the resolution of the 2011 through 2013 tax years. As of June 30, 2018 , we had $506 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $432 million , if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2017 , we had $1.238 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $1.150 billion , if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. The change in our gross unrecognized tax benefit is primarily related to reaching settlements with tax authorities. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense. We had $78 million accrued for gross interest and penalties as of June 30, 2018 and $655 million as of December 31, 2017 . The change in our accrued interest and penalties is primarily related to reaching settlements with tax authorities. We recognized net tax expense related to interest and penalties of $2 million in the second quarter of 2018 , $13 million in the second quarter of 2017 , $19 million during the first six months of 2018 and $26 million during the first six months of 2017 . It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months we will resolve multiple issues with foreign, federal and state taxing authorities, in which case we could record a reduction in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits of up to approximately $221 million . There are a number of key provisions under the TCJA that impact us and we continue to monitor and analyze the ramifications of the new law as the implementation is executed. The final impact of the TCJA may differ from the estimates reported due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions made by us, additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and actions that we may take as a result. The TCJA reduces the US Federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent , requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. Due to insufficient guidance, as well as the availability of information to accurately analyze the impact of the TCJA, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects, as described below, and in other cases we have not been able to make a reasonable estimate and continue to account for those items based on our existing accounting under FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment. In the second quarter of 2018 , we recognized an additional tax benefit of $28 million related to settling our transfer pricing dispute with the IRS. In the first six months of 2018 , we recognized an additional tax benefit of $37 million , resulting in a total provisional estimate of $824 million related to the TCJA. We are required to record deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the enacted tax rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future. Therefore, any U.S. related deferred taxes were re-measured from 35 percent down to 21 percent based on the recorded balances as of December 31, 2017. The analysis included a preliminary assessment on the deductibility of certain amounts for which deferred tax assets may have been recorded. However, we are still analyzing certain aspects of the TCJA and refining our calculations based on the available information, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or give rise to new deferred tax amounts. As of June 30, 2018 , we have not adjusted our provisional estimate related to re-measurement of our deferred tax balances. As of December 31, 2017 , we recorded an estimated tax benefit of approximately $99 million . We are required to calculate a one-time transition tax based on our total post-1986 foreign earnings and profits (E&P) that we previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. As a result of settling our various tax audits, the revised provisional amount of transition tax is approximately $866 million . We anticipate offsetting this liability against existing tax attributes reducing the required payment to approximately $506 million , which will be remitted over an eight-year period. We remitted the first estimated installment payment in the second quarter of 2018. We have not yet completed our calculation of the total post-1986 E&P for these foreign subsidiaries, and we continue to refine the analysis. We expect that our undistributed foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017 will remain indefinitely reinvested in our foreign operations. Accordingly, no income taxes beyond the federal and state impact of the transition tax have been provided for these undistributed foreign earnings or any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any remaining undistributed foreign earnings and additional outside basis difference in these entities is not practicable. We are subject to a territorial tax system under the TCJA, in which we are required to provide for tax on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. Additionally, we are required to make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period expense. As of June 30, 2018 , we are still evaluating the effects of the GILTI provisions as guidance and interpretations continue to emerge. Therefore, we have not determined our accounting policy on the GILTI provisions. However, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 118 requires that we reflect the impact of the GILTI provisions as a period expense until the accounting policy is finalized. Therefore, we have included the provisional estimate of GILTI related to current-year operations in our estimated annual effective tax rate only and will be updating the impact and accounting policy as the analysis related to the GILTI provisions is completed.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE I – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The medical device market in which we primarily participate is largely technology driven. As a result, intellectual property rights, particularly patents and trade secrets, play a significant role in product development and differentiation. Over the years, there has been litigation initiated against us by others, including our competitors, claiming that our current or former product offerings infringe patents owned or licensed by them. Intellectual property litigation is inherently complex and unpredictable. In addition, competing parties frequently file multiple suits to leverage patent portfolios across product lines, technologies and geographies and to balance risk and exposure between the parties. In some cases, several competitors are parties in the same proceeding, or in a series of related proceedings, or litigate multiple features of a single class of devices. These forces frequently drive settlement not only for individual cases, but also for a series of pending and potentially related and unrelated cases. Although monetary and injunctive relief is typically sought, remedies and restitution are generally not determined until the conclusion of the trial court proceedings and can be modified on appeal. Accordingly, the outcomes of individual cases are difficult to time, predict or quantify and are often dependent upon the outcomes of other cases in other geographies. During recent years, we successfully negotiated closure of several long-standing legal matters and have received favorable rulings in several other matters; however, there continues to be outstanding intellectual property litigation. Adverse outcomes in one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our ability to sell certain products and on our operating margins, financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity. In the normal course of business, product liability, securities and commercial claims are asserted against us. Similar claims may be asserted against us in the future related to events not known to management at the present time. We maintain an insurance policy providing limited coverage against securities claims and we are substantially self-insured with respect to product liability claims and fully self-insured with respect to intellectual property infringement claims. The absence of significant third-party insurance coverage increases our potential exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. Product liability claims, securities and commercial litigation and other legal proceedings in the future, regardless of their outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity. In addition, like other companies in the medical device industry, we are subject to extensive regulation by national, state and local government agencies in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate. From time to time we are the subject of qui tam actions and governmental investigations often involving regulatory, marketing and other business practices. These qui tam actions and governmental investigations could result in the commencement of civil and criminal proceedings, substantial fines, penalties and administrative remedies and have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies , we accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, losses for product liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense, based on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. Otherwise, we expense these costs as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, we accrue the minimum amount of the range. Our accrual for legal matters that are probable and estimable was $1.264 billion as of June 30, 2018 and $1.612 billion as of December 31, 2017 and includes certain estimated costs of settlement, damages and defense. A portion of our legal accrual is funded and included in our restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent balances of $787 million as of June 30, 2018 and $829 million as of December 31, 2017 , as disclosed in Note G – Supplemental Balance Sheet Information . Litigation-related net charges (credits) were immaterial in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 . We recorded litigation-related net charges of $205 million in the second quarter of 2017 and $208 million in the first six months of 2017 . We continue to assess certain litigation and claims to determine the amounts, if any, that management believes will be paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued and paid in the future, which could materially adversely impact our operating results, cash flows and/or our ability to comply with our debt covenants. In management's opinion, we are not currently involved in any legal proceedings other than those disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2018 and those specifically identified below, which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operations and/or cash flows. Unless included in our legal accrual or otherwise indicated below, a range of loss associated with any individual material legal proceeding cannot be estimated. Patent Litigation On November 20, 2017, The Board of Regents, University of Texas System (UT) and TissueGen. Inc., served a lawsuit against us in the Western District of Texas. The complaint against us alleges patent infringement of two U.S. patents owned by UT, relating to “Drug Releasing Biodegradable Fiber Implant” and “Drug Releasing Biodegradable Fiber for Delivery of Therapeutics,” and affects the manufacture, use and sale of our Synergy™ Stent System. On March 12, 2018, the court dismissed the action and transferred it to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. UT has appealed the decision. Product Liability Litigation As of July 24, 2018 , approximately 49,500 product liability cases or claims related to transvaginal surgical mesh products designed to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse have been asserted against us. The pending cases are in various federal and state courts in the U.S. and include eight putative class actions. There were also fewer than 25 cases in Canada, inclusive of one certified and three putative class actions and fewer than 25 claims in the United Kingdom. Generally, the plaintiffs allege personal injury associated with use of our transvaginal surgical mesh products. The plaintiffs assert design and manufacturing claims, failure to warn, breach of warranty, fraud, violations of state consumer protection laws and loss of consortium claims. Over 3,100 of the cases have been specially assigned to one judge in state court in Massachusetts. On February 7, 2012, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (MDL) established MDL-2326 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and transferred the federal court transvaginal surgical mesh cases to MDL-2326 for coordinated pretrial proceedings. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we received written discovery requests from certain state attorneys general offices regarding our transvaginal surgical mesh products. We have responded to those requests. As of July 24, 2018 , we have entered into master settlement agreements in principle or are in the final stages of entering one with certain plaintiffs' counsel to resolve an aggregate of approximately 48,000 cases and claims. These master settlement agreements provide that the settlement and distribution of settlement funds to participating claimants are conditional upon, among other things, achieving minimum required claimant participation thresholds. Of the approximately 48,000 cases and claims, approximately 27,000 have met the conditions of the settlement and are final. All settlement agreements were entered into solely by way of compromise and without any admission or concession by us of any liability or wrongdoing. We have established a product liability accrual for known and estimated future cases and claims asserted against us as well as with respect to the actions that have resulted in verdicts against us and the costs of defense thereof associated with our transvaginal surgical mesh products. While we believe that our accrual associated with this matter is adequate, changes to this accrual may be required in the future as additional information becomes available. While we continue to engage in discussions with plaintiffs’ counsel regarding potential resolution of pending cases and claims and intend to vigorously contest the cases and claims asserted against us, that do not settle, the final resolution of the cases and claims is uncertain and could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity. Initial trials involving our transvaginal surgical mesh products have resulted in both favorable and unfavorable judgments for us. We do not believe that the judgment in any one trial is representative of potential outcomes of all cases or claims related to our transvaginal surgical mesh products. Governmental Investigations and Qui Tam Matters On February 23, 2015, a judge for the Court of Modena (Italy) ordered a trial for Boston Scientific SpA and three of its employees, as well as numerous other defendants charged in criminal proceedings. The charges arise from allegations that the defendants made improper donations to certain health care providers and other employees of the Hospital of Modena in order to induce them to conduct unauthorized clinical trials, as well as related government fraud in relation to the financing of such clinical trials. A trial began on February 24, 2016 and is ongoing. On November 10, 2017, the Court issued a ruling that convicted one Boston Scientific employee but acquitted two others, and levied a fine of €245 thousand against us and imposed joint and several civil damages of €620 thousand on all defendants. We continue to deny these allegations, timely appealed the decision on May 10, 2018 and intend to continue to defend ourselves vigorously. Other Proceedings On May 16, 2018, Arthur Rosenthal et al., filed a plenary summons against Boston Scientific Corporation and Boston Scientific Limited the High Court of Ireland alleging that payments are due pursuant a transaction agreement regarding Labcoat Limited. Refer to Note H – Income Taxes for information regarding our tax litigation. Matters Concluded Since December 31, 2017 On October 28, 2016, the Regents of the University of California filed a patent infringement action against us in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that two U.S. patents (Lesh) owned by the Regents of the University of California are infringed by certain of our catheters and other devices used to treat atrial fibrillation. The Company and the Regents settled the matter, and the case was dismissed on June 20, 2018.

Weighted Average Shares Outstan

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Text Block]	NOTE J – WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 1,380.5 1,369.8 1,378.5 1,367.6 Net effect of common stock equivalents 18.3 21.3 19.3 23.0 Weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution 1,398.9 1,391.1 1,397.8 1,390.6 The impact of stock options outstanding with exercise prices greater than the average fair market value of our common stock was immaterial for all periods presented. We issued approximately two million shares of our common stock in the second quarter of 2018 , one million shares of our common stock in the second quarter of 2017 and eight million shares of our common stock in the first six months of 2018 and 2017 , following the exercise of underlying stock options, vesting of deferred stock units or purchases under our employee stock purchase plan. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the first six months of 2018 or 2017 .

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	NOTE K – SEGMENT REPORTING We have three reportable segments comprised of MedSurg, Rhythm and Neuro, and Cardiovascular, which represent an aggregation of our operating segments. Each of our reportable segments generates revenues from the sale of medical devices. We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment net sales and operating income, excluding intersegment profits. In 2017, we updated our presentation of segment net sales and operating income to include the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, since our chief operating decision maker (CODM) reviews operating results both including and excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, and the following presentation more closely aligns to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements . We exclude from segment operating income certain corporate-related expenses and certain transactions or adjustments that our CODM considers to be non-operational, such as amounts related to amortization expense, intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition-related items, restructuring and restructuring-related items and litigation-related items. Although we exclude these amounts from segment operating income, they are included in reported Income (loss) before income taxes on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and are included in the reconciliation below. Effective January 1, 2018, following organizational changes to align the company's business and organization structure focused on active implantable devices, we revised our reportable segments, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting. The revision reflects a reclassification of our Neuromodulation business from our MedSurg segment to our newly created Rhythm and Neuro segment. We have revised prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation (as denoted with an asterisk throughout *). There was no revision to operating segments or reporting units as a result of the organizational change. A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net sales MedSurg* $ 751 $ 680 $ 1,462 $ 1,321 Rhythm and Neuro* 775 700 1,512 1,368 Cardiovascular 965 876 1,898 1,728 $ 2,490 $ 2,257 $ 4,870 $ 4,418 Income (loss) before income taxes MedSurg* $ 273 $ 244 $ 532 $ 459 Rhythm and Neuro* 160 137 313 246 Cardiovascular 300 262 590 494 Operating income allocated to reportable segments 734 643 1,436 1,199 Corporate expenses, including hedging activities (100 ) (56 ) (200 ) (115 ) Intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition-related, restructuring- and restructuring-related and litigation-related net credits (charges) (95 ) (220 ) (149 ) (210 ) Amortization expense (147 ) (142 ) (288 ) (285 ) Operating income (loss) 392 225 799 589 Other expense, net (45 ) (134 ) (129 ) (193 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 347 $ 91 $ 670 $ 396 Operating Income as a Percentage of Segment Net Sales MedSurg* 36.4 % 35.8 % 36.4 % 34.7 % Rhythm and Neuro* 20.6 % 19.6 % 20.7 % 18.0 % Cardiovascular 31.1 % 29.8 % 31.1 % 28.6 %

Revenue (Notes)

Revenue (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Disaggregated Revenue [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	NOTE L – REVENUE We generate revenue primarily from the sale of single-use medical devices and present revenue net of sales taxes in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations . The following tables disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by business and geographic region (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Businesses 2018 2017 2018 2017 Endoscopy U.S. $ 245 $ 225 $ 477 $ 439 International 197 175 384 341 Worldwide 442 400 861 780 Urology and Pelvic Health U.S. 213 196 409 379 International 96 84 192 163 Worldwide 308 280 601 542 Cardiac Rhythm Management U.S. 290 287 580 571 International 204 193 407 372 Worldwide 494 480 987 943 Electrophysiology U.S. 39 34 74 66 International 40 33 79 64 Worldwide 79 67 154 130 Neuromodulation U.S. 160 125 291 241 International 42 29 79 54 Worldwide 202 154 371 295 Interventional Cardiology U.S. 296 280 577 558 International 366 323 730 636 Worldwide 662 603 1,307 1,194 Peripheral Interventions U.S. 152 144 297 286 International 152 129 294 248 Worldwide 304 273 591 534 Total Company U.S. 1,394 1,291 2,704 2,540 International 1,096 966 2,166 1,878 Net Sales $ 2,490 $ 2,257 $ 4,870 $ 4,418 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Geographic Regions 2018 2017 2018 2017 U.S. $ 1,394 $ 1,291 $ 2,704 $ 2,540 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) 558 482 1,121 937 APAC (Asia-Pacific) 442 393 857 764 LACA (Latin America and Canada) 96 90 188 173 $ 2,490 $ 2,257 $ 4,870 $ 4,418 Emerging Markets (1) $ 276 $ 226 $ 531 $ 434 (1) Emerging Markets is defined as certain countries that we believe have strong growth potential based on their economic conditions, healthcare sectors and our global capabilities. Currently, we include 20 countries in our definition of Emerging Markets. We sell our products primarily through a direct sales force. In certain international markets, we sell our products through independent distributors. We consider revenue to be earned when all of the following criteria are met: • We have a contract with a customer that creates enforceable rights and obligations, • Promised products or services are identified, • The transaction price, or the amount we expect to receive, is determinable and • We have transferred control of the promised items to the customer. Transfer of control is evidenced upon passage of title and risk of loss to the customer unless we are required to provide additional services. We treat shipping and handling costs performed after a customer obtains control of the good as a fulfillment cost and record these costs as a selling expense when incurred. We recognize revenue from consignment arrangements based on product usage, or implant, which indicates that the sale is complete. We recognize a receivable at the point in time we have an unconditional right to payment. Payment terms are typically 30 days in the U.S. but may be longer in international markets. Deferred Revenue We record a contract liability, or deferred revenue, when we have an obligation to provide a product or service to the customer and payment is received or due in advance of our performance. When we sell a device with a future service obligation, we defer revenue on the unfulfilled performance obligation and recognize this revenue over the related service period. Many of our Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) product offerings combine the sale of a device with our LATITUDE™ Patient Management System, which represents a future service obligation. Generally, we do not have observable evidence of the standalone selling price related to our future service obligations; therefore, we estimate the selling price using an expected cost plus a margin approach. We allocate the transaction price using the relative standalone selling price method. The use of alternative estimates could result in a different amount of revenue deferral. Contract liabilities are classified within Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets . Our deferred revenue balance was $384 million as of June 30, 2018 and $411 million as of January 1, 2018. Our contractual liabilities are primarily composed of deferred revenue related to the LATITUDE Patient Management System. Revenue is recognized over the average service period which is based on device and patient longevity. We recognized revenue of $26 million during the second quarter of 2018 and $53 million during the first six months of 2018 that was included in the above January 1, 2018 contract liability balance. We have elected not to disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the original expected contract duration is one year or less. In addition, we have not identified material unfulfilled performance obligations for which revenue is not currently deferred. Variable Consideration We generally allow our customers to return defective, damaged and, in certain cases, expired products for credit. We base our estimate for sales returns upon historical trends and record the amount as a reduction to revenue when we sell the initial product. In addition, we may allow customers to return previously purchased products for next-generation product offerings. For these transactions, we defer recognition of revenue on the sale of the earlier generation product based upon an estimate of the amount of product to be returned when the next-generation products are shipped to the customer. Uncertain timing of next-generation product approvals, variability in product launch strategies, product recalls and variation in product utilization all affect our estimates related to sales returns and could cause actual returns to differ from these estimates. We also offer sales rebates and discounts to certain customers. We treat sales rebates and discounts as a reduction of revenue and classify the corresponding liability as current. We estimate rebates for products where there is sufficient historical information available to predict the volume of expected future rebates. If we are unable to reasonably estimate the expected rebates, we record a liability for the maximum rebate percentage offered. We have entered certain agreements with group purchasing organizations to sell our products to participating hospitals at negotiated prices. We recognize revenue from these agreements following the same revenue recognition criteria discussed above. Capitalized Contract Costs We capitalize commission fees related to contracts with customers when the associated revenue is expected to be earned over a period that exceeds one year. Deferred commissions are primarily related to the sale of devices enabled with our LATITUDE™ Patient Management System. We have elected to expense commission costs when incurred for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. Capitalized commission fees are amortized over the period the associated products or services are transferred. Similarly, we capitalize certain recoverable costs related to the delivery of the LATITUDE Remote Monitoring Service. These fulfillment costs are amortized over the average service period. Our total capitalized contract costs are immaterial to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements .

Changes in Other Comprehensive

Changes in Other Comprehensive Income	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	NOTE M – CHANGES IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The following tables provide the reclassifications out of Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax : (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ (22 ) $ (79 ) $ (27 ) $ (128 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (40 ) 151 — 111 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (5 ) 7 — 2 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (45 ) 158 — 112 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ (68 ) $ 79 $ (27 ) $ (16 ) (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ (71 ) $ 52 $ (6 ) $ (21 ) $ (46 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 13 (4 ) — — 9 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — (17 ) 2 (1 ) (16 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 13 (21 ) 2 (1 ) (7 ) Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ (58 ) $ 31 $ (4 ) $ (22 ) $ (53 ) (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (32 ) $ 1 $ (1 ) $ (27 ) $ (59 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (31 ) 59 — — 28 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (5 ) 19 1 — 15 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (36 ) 78 — — 42 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ (68 ) $ 79 $ — $ (27 ) $ (16 ) (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (79 ) $ 107 $ (6 ) $ (21 ) $ 1 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 21 (41 ) — (2 ) (22 ) (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — (35 ) 2 1 (32 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 21 (76 ) 2 (1 ) (54 ) Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ (58 ) $ 31 $ (4 ) $ (22 ) $ (53 ) Refer to Note D – Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements for further detail on the reclassifications related to derivatives. We adopted Update No. 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018, and as a result of adopting the standard, we recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for unrealized gains and losses for available-for-sale securities previously recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax . The gains and losses on defined benefit and pension related items before reclassifications and gains and losses on defined benefit and pension items reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax were reduced by immaterial income tax impacts in the second quarter and first six months of 2018 and 2017 .

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Accounting Standards Implemented Since December 31, 2017 ASC Update No. 2014-09 In May 2014, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which was subsequently updated. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Under this method, we applied FASB ASC Topic 606 to contracts that were not complete as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606 . Prior period amounts are not adjusted and are reported in accordance with legacy GAAP requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . Due to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , we recorded a net reduction to retained earnings of $177 million on January 1, 2018, primarily related to the cost of providing non-contractual post-implant support to certain customers, which we historically deemed immaterial in the context of the arrangement. Upon the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , when we sell a device with an implied non-contractual post-implant support obligation, we forward accrue the cost of the service within Selling, general and administrative expenses and recognize it at the point in time the associated revenue is earned. We release the accrual over the related service period. These costs were previously expensed as incurred due to such service obligation being non-contractual. The impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets resulted in an increase in Other current liabilities of $58 million and an increase in Other long-term liabilities of $205 million as of June 30, 2018, as a result of accruing for our post-implant support obligation. We also recorded deferred tax assets primarily related to post-implant support, resulting in an increase in Other long-term assets of $12 million and a reduction in Deferred income taxes of $41 million . The remaining impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 was not material to our financial position or results of operations. Refer to Note L – Revenue for additional details. ASC Update No. 2016-01 In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) : Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The purpose of Update No. 2016-01 is to improve financial reporting for financial instruments by reducing the number of items recorded to other comprehensive income. We adopted Update No. 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018, using both the modified retrospective and prospective methods. For publicly-held securities, we used the modified retrospective approach. Unrealized gains and losses previously recorded to Other comprehensive income (loss) were reclassified to retained earnings and all future fair value changes will be recorded to Net income (loss) . For privately-held securities, we elected the measurement alternative approach for our existing investments, which is applied prospectively upon adoption. This approach requires entities to measure their investments at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. The actual impact to future periods resulting from fair value changes of our equity investments is difficult to predict as it will depend on their future performance. ASC Update No. 2016-16 In October 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The purpose of Update No. 2016-16 is to allow an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to waiting until the asset is sold to a third party, or impaired. Update No. 2016-16 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted Update No. 2016-16 prospectively in the first quarter of 2018 and recognized a net reduction to opening retained earnings of $55 million for income tax consequences not previously recognized for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories. All future income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories will be recognized through Income tax expense (benefit) . ASC Update No. 2017-12 In August 2017, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) : Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The purpose of Update No. 2017-12 is to simplify the application of hedge accounting and better align financial reporting of hedging relationships with risk management objectives. Update No. 2017-12 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. We early adopted Update No. 2017-12 in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of the standard had no impact on our financial position or results of operations. NOTE N – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Periodically, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies. Recently issued standards typically do not require adoption until a future effective date. Prior to their effective date, we evaluate the pronouncements to determine the potential effects of adoption on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements . Standards to be Implemented ASC Update No. 2016-02 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The purpose of Update No. 2016-02 is to increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, including those previously classified as operating leases under current U.S. GAAP and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Update No. 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted and a modified retrospective approach is required. While we are still in the process of determining the effect that the new standard will have on our financial position and results of operations, we expect to recognize additional assets and corresponding liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, as a result of our operating lease portfolio as it exists at the date we adopt the new standard. Please refer to Note F - Lease and Other Purchase Obligations in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our most current lease activity. Additionally, we are in the process of implementing a new lease administration and lease accounting system, and updating our controls and procedures for maintaining and accounting for our lease portfolio under the new standard. As a result, we anticipate adopting the new standard on January 1, 2019. ASC Update No. 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) : Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The purpose of Update No. 2016-13 is to replace the current incurred loss impairment methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasted information, to develop credit loss estimates. Update No. 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations. ASC Update No. 2018-09 In July 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-09, Codification Improvements . The purpose of Update No. 2018-09 is to clarify, correct errors in or make minor improvements to the Codification. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in Update No. 2018-09 do not require transition guidance and are effective upon issuance. However, many of the amendments in Update No. 2018-09 do have transition guidance with an effective date of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations. No other new accounting pronouncements, issued or effective, during the period had or are expected to have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements .

Basis of Presentation Standards

Basis of Presentation Standards Implemented Since Dec 31 (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Subsequent Events We evaluate events occurring after the date of our most recent accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet for potential recognition or disclosure in our financial statements. We did not identify any material subsequent events requiring adjustment to our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (recognized subsequent events) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . Those items requiring disclosure (unrecognized subsequent events) in the financial statements have been disclosed accordingly. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments and Note I – Commitments and Contingencies for more information.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Standards Implemented Since December 31, 2017 ASC Update No. 2014-09 In May 2014, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which was subsequently updated. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Under this method, we applied FASB ASC Topic 606 to contracts that were not complete as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606 . Prior period amounts are not adjusted and are reported in accordance with legacy GAAP requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . Due to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , we recorded a net reduction to retained earnings of $177 million on January 1, 2018, primarily related to the cost of providing non-contractual post-implant support to certain customers, which we historically deemed immaterial in the context of the arrangement. Upon the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , when we sell a device with an implied non-contractual post-implant support obligation, we forward accrue the cost of the service within Selling, general and administrative expenses and recognize it at the point in time the associated revenue is earned. We release the accrual over the related service period. These costs were previously expensed as incurred due to such service obligation being non-contractual. The impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets resulted in an increase in Other current liabilities of $58 million and an increase in Other long-term liabilities of $205 million as of June 30, 2018, as a result of accruing for our post-implant support obligation. We also recorded deferred tax assets primarily related to post-implant support, resulting in an increase in Other long-term assets of $12 million and a reduction in Deferred income taxes of $41 million . The remaining impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 was not material to our financial position or results of operations. Refer to Note L – Revenue for additional details. ASC Update No. 2016-01 In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) : Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The purpose of Update No. 2016-01 is to improve financial reporting for financial instruments by reducing the number of items recorded to other comprehensive income. We adopted Update No. 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018, using both the modified retrospective and prospective methods. For publicly-held securities, we used the modified retrospective approach. Unrealized gains and losses previously recorded to Other comprehensive income (loss) were reclassified to retained earnings and all future fair value changes will be recorded to Net income (loss) . For privately-held securities, we elected the measurement alternative approach for our existing investments, which is applied prospectively upon adoption. This approach requires entities to measure their investments at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. The actual impact to future periods resulting from fair value changes of our equity investments is difficult to predict as it will depend on their future performance. ASC Update No. 2016-16 In October 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The purpose of Update No. 2016-16 is to allow an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to waiting until the asset is sold to a third party, or impaired. Update No. 2016-16 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted Update No. 2016-16 prospectively in the first quarter of 2018 and recognized a net reduction to opening retained earnings of $55 million for income tax consequences not previously recognized for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories. All future income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories will be recognized through Income tax expense (benefit) . ASC Update No. 2017-12 In August 2017, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) : Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The purpose of Update No. 2017-12 is to simplify the application of hedge accounting and better align financial reporting of hedging relationships with risk management objectives. Update No. 2017-12 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. We early adopted Update No. 2017-12 in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of the standard had no impact on our financial position or results of operations. NOTE N – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Periodically, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies. Recently issued standards typically do not require adoption until a future effective date. Prior to their effective date, we evaluate the pronouncements to determine the potential effects of adoption on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements . Standards to be Implemented ASC Update No. 2016-02 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The purpose of Update No. 2016-02 is to increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, including those previously classified as operating leases under current U.S. GAAP and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Update No. 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted and a modified retrospective approach is required. While we are still in the process of determining the effect that the new standard will have on our financial position and results of operations, we expect to recognize additional assets and corresponding liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, as a result of our operating lease portfolio as it exists at the date we adopt the new standard. Please refer to Note F - Lease and Other Purchase Obligations in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our most current lease activity. Additionally, we are in the process of implementing a new lease administration and lease accounting system, and updating our controls and procedures for maintaining and accounting for our lease portfolio under the new standard. As a result, we anticipate adopting the new standard on January 1, 2019. ASC Update No. 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) : Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The purpose of Update No. 2016-13 is to replace the current incurred loss impairment methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasted information, to develop credit loss estimates. Update No. 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations. ASC Update No. 2018-09 In July 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-09, Codification Improvements . The purpose of Update No. 2018-09 is to clarify, correct errors in or make minor improvements to the Codification. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in Update No. 2018-09 do not require transition guidance and are effective upon issuance. However, many of the amendments in Update No. 2018-09 do have transition guidance with an effective date of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations. No other new accounting pronouncements, issued or effective, during the period had or are expected to have a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements .
ASC Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2014-09 In May 2014, the FASB issued FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which was subsequently updated. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. Under this method, we applied FASB ASC Topic 606 to contracts that were not complete as of January 1, 2018 and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606 . Prior period amounts are not adjusted and are reported in accordance with legacy GAAP requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition . Due to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , we recorded a net reduction to retained earnings of $177 million on January 1, 2018, primarily related to the cost of providing non-contractual post-implant support to certain customers, which we historically deemed immaterial in the context of the arrangement. Upon the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 , when we sell a device with an implied non-contractual post-implant support obligation, we forward accrue the cost of the service within Selling, general and administrative expenses and recognize it at the point in time the associated revenue is earned. We release the accrual over the related service period. These costs were previously expensed as incurred due to such service obligation being non-contractual. The impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets resulted in an increase in Other current liabilities of $58 million and an increase in Other long-term liabilities of $205 million as of June 30, 2018, as a result of accruing for our post-implant support obligation. We also recorded deferred tax assets primarily related to post-implant support, resulting in an increase in Other long-term assets of $12 million and a reduction in Deferred income taxes of $41 million . The remaining impact of adopting FASB ASC Topic 606 was not material to our financial position or results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2016-01 In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) : Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The purpose of Update No. 2016-01 is to improve financial reporting for financial instruments by reducing the number of items recorded to other comprehensive income. We adopted Update No. 2016-01 in the first quarter of 2018, using both the modified retrospective and prospective methods. For publicly-held securities, we used the modified retrospective approach. Unrealized gains and losses previously recorded to Other comprehensive income (loss) were reclassified to retained earnings and all future fair value changes will be recorded to Net income (loss) . For privately-held securities, we elected the measurement alternative approach for our existing investments, which is applied prospectively upon adoption. This approach requires entities to measure their investments at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. The actual impact to future periods resulting from fair value changes of our equity investments is difficult to predict as it will depend on their future performance.
ASU Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2016-16 In October 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The purpose of Update No. 2016-16 is to allow an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to waiting until the asset is sold to a third party, or impaired. Update No. 2016-16 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted Update No. 2016-16 prospectively in the first quarter of 2018 and recognized a net reduction to opening retained earnings of $55 million for income tax consequences not previously recognized for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories. All future income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories will be recognized through Income tax expense (benefit) .
ASC Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2017-12 In August 2017, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) : Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities . The purpose of Update No. 2017-12 is to simplify the application of hedge accounting and better align financial reporting of hedging relationships with risk management objectives. Update No. 2017-12 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. We early adopted Update No. 2017-12 in the first quarter of 2018. The adoption of the standard had no impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	FASB ASC Topic 815 requires all derivative instruments to be recognized at their fair values as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We determine the fair value of our derivative instruments using the framework prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Our derivative instruments do not subject our earnings to material risk, as the gains or losses on these derivatives generally offset losses or gains recognized on the hedged item. We manage concentration of counterparty credit risk by limiting acceptable counterparties to major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings, limiting the amount of credit exposure to individual counterparties and by actively monitoring counterparty credit ratings and the amount of individual credit exposure. We also employ master netting arrangements that limit the risk of counterparty non-payment on a particular settlement date to the net gain that would have otherwise been received from the counterparty. Although not completely eliminated, we do not consider the risk of counterparty default to be significant as a result of these protections. Further, none of our derivative instruments are subject to collateral or other security arrangements, nor do they contain provisions that are dependent on our credit ratings from any credit rating agency.

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies , we accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, losses for product liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense, based on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. Otherwise, we expense these costs as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, we accrue the minimum amount of the range.

New Accounting Pronouncements (

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ASU Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2016-16 In October 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory . The purpose of Update No. 2016-16 is to allow an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs, as opposed to waiting until the asset is sold to a third party, or impaired. Update No. 2016-16 was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We adopted Update No. 2016-16 prospectively in the first quarter of 2018 and recognized a net reduction to opening retained earnings of $55 million for income tax consequences not previously recognized for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories. All future income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventories will be recognized through Income tax expense (benefit) .
ASC Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2016-02 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . The purpose of Update No. 2016-02 is to increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, including those previously classified as operating leases under current U.S. GAAP and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Update No. 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted and a modified retrospective approach is required. While we are still in the process of determining the effect that the new standard will have on our financial position and results of operations, we expect to recognize additional assets and corresponding liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets, as a result of our operating lease portfolio as it exists at the date we adopt the new standard. Please refer to Note F - Lease and Other Purchase Obligations in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding our most current lease activity. Additionally, we are in the process of implementing a new lease administration and lease accounting system, and updating our controls and procedures for maintaining and accounting for our lease portfolio under the new standard. As a result, we anticipate adopting the new standard on January 1, 2019.
ASC Update No. 2016-13 [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) : Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . The purpose of Update No. 2016-13 is to replace the current incurred loss impairment methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasted information, to develop credit loss estimates. Update No. 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2018-09, Codification Improvements [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2018-09 In July 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-09, Codification Improvements . The purpose of Update No. 2018-09 is to clarify, correct errors in or make minor improvements to the Codification. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. The transition and effective date guidance is based on the facts and circumstances of each amendment. Some of the amendments in Update No. 2018-09 do not require transition guidance and are effective upon issuance. However, many of the amendments in Update No. 2018-09 do have transition guidance with an effective date of annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on our financial position and results of operations.

Acquisitions and Strategic In26

Acquisitions and Strategic Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The purchase price was comprised of the following component: (in millions) Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired $ 391 The components of the aggregate preliminary purchase prices are as follows: (in millions) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 419 Fair value of contingent consideration 140 Fair value of prior interests 81 $ 639
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	(in millions) Goodwill $ 273 Amortizable intangible assets 418 Other assets acquired 53 Liabilities assumed (5 ) Deferred tax liabilities (99 ) $ 639 (in millions) Goodwill $ 183 Amortizable intangible assets 278 Other assets acquired 25 Liabilities assumed (95 ) $ 391
Rollforward of Fair Value of Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block]	Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 169 Amounts recorded related to new acquisitions 140 Purchase price adjustments related to prior acquisitions (22 ) Contingent consideration expense (benefit) 1 Contingent consideration payments (9 ) Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 279
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 410 10 - 13 17% - 23% Other intangible assets 7 6 - 13 13% - 15% $ 418 Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 268 13 24% Other intangible assets 10 2-13 24% $ 278 We allocated a portion of the preliminary purchase prices to specific intangible asset categories as follows: Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related - minimum 10 17% Technology-related - maximum 13 23% Other intangible assets - minimum 6 13% Other intangible assets - maximum 13 15% We allocated a portion of the purchase price to specific intangible asset categories as follows: Amortization Period (in years) Amortizable intangible assets: Other intangible assets - minimum 2 Other intangible assets - maximum 13
Description of unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements [Table Text Block]	The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our contingent consideration liability include the following significant unobservable inputs: Contingent Consideration Liability Fair Value as of June 30, 2018 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range R&D and Commercialization-based Milestones $159 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 3 % - 4% Projected Year of Payment 2018 - 2022 Revenue-based Payments $120 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 11 % - 15% Projected Year of Payment 2018 - 2026

Acquisitions and Strategic In27

Acquisitions and Strategic Investments Strategic Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Strategic Investments [Abstract]
Investment [Table Text Block]	The aggregate carrying amount of our strategic investments were comprised of the following categories: As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Equity method investments $ 281 $ 209 Measurement alternative investments 82 81 Publicly-held securities 1 15 Notes receivable 18 47 $ 382 $ 353

Goodwill and Other Intangible28

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following represents our goodwill balance by global reportable segment: (in millions) MedSurg Rhythm and Neuro Cardiovascular Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 2,877 $ 417 $ 3,704 $ 6,998 Impact of reportable segment revisions (1,379 ) 1,379 — — Impact of foreign currency fluctuations and other changes in carrying amount (2 ) (22 ) (5 ) (29 ) Goodwill acquired 248 25 — 273 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ 1,744 $ 1,799 $ 3,699 $ 7,242 The gross carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization for intangible assets subject to amortization and accumulated write-offs of goodwill are as follows: As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization/ Write-offs Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization/ Write-offs Amortizable intangible assets Technology-related $ 9,698 $ (5,032 ) $ 9,386 $ (4,880 ) Patents 517 (384 ) 517 (379 ) Other intangible assets 1,640 (897 ) 1,633 (838 ) $ 11,855 $ (6,314 ) $ 11,536 $ (6,097 ) Unamortizable intangible assets Goodwill $ 17,142 $ (9,900 ) $ 16,898 $ (9,900 ) In-process research and development (IPR&D) 273 — 278 — Technology-related 120 — 120 — $ 17,535 $ (9,900 ) $ 17,295 $ (9,900 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the contractual amounts of our derivative instruments outstanding: (in millions) FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge $ 4,205 $ 3,252 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge 1,455 — Forward currency contracts Non-designated 2,635 2,671 Total Notional Outstanding $ 8,295 $ 5,923
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings for derivatives designed as hedging instruments	As of June 30, 2018 , pre-tax net gains or losses for our derivative instruments designated, or previously designated, as fair value and cash flow hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 that may be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months are presented below (in millions): Designated Derivative Instrument FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation Location in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) that may be Reclassified to Earnings Interest rate derivative contracts Fair value hedge Interest expense $ 12 Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedge Interest expense 1 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge Cost of products sold 11 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge Interest expense 41 The following presents the effect of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and net investment hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 on our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations : (in millions) Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Effective Amount Recognized in OCI Effective Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings Location Total Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) Tax Benefit (Expense) Gain (Loss) Net of Tax Pre-Tax (Gain) Loss Tax (Benefit) Expense (Gain) Loss Net of Tax Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 739 $ 194 $ (44 ) $ 151 $ 10 $ (2 ) $ 7 Forward currency contracts Interest expense (57 ) 21 (5 ) 16 (7 ) 2 (5 ) $ 215 $ (48 ) $ 167 $ 3 $ (1 ) $ 2 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 632 $ (6 ) $ 2 $ (4 ) $ (27 ) $ 10 $ (17 ) $ (6 ) $ 2 $ (4 ) $ (27 ) $ 10 $ (17 ) Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 1,411 $ 77 $ (17 ) $ 59 $ 25 $ (6 ) $ 19 Forward currency contracts Interest expense (119 ) 21 (5 ) 16 (7 ) 2 (5 ) $ 97 $ (22 ) $ 76 $ 18 $ (4 ) $ 14 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Forward currency contracts Cost of products sold $ 1,282 $ (64 ) $ 23 $ (41 ) $ (55 ) $ 21 $ (34 ) Interest rate derivative contracts Interest expense (115 ) — — — (1 ) — (1 ) $ (64 ) $ 23 $ (41 ) $ (56 ) $ 21 $ (35 )
Net foreign currency gain (loss) [Table Text Block]	Net gains and losses on currency hedge contracts not designated as hedging instruments offset by net gains and losses from currency transaction exposures are presented below: Location in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net gain (loss) on currency hedge contracts Other, net $ 32 $ 5 $ 8 $ (12 ) Net gain (loss) on currency transaction exposures Other, net (33 ) (13 ) (17 ) 4 Net currency exchange gain (loss) $ (1 ) $ (8 ) $ (9 ) $ (8 )
Classification of derivative assets and liabilities within level 2	The following are the balances of our derivative assets and liabilities: Location in Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (1) As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivative Assets: Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets $ 24 $ 7 Forward currency contracts Other long-term assets 94 57 Net investment hedges Other long-term assets 21 — 139 64 Non-Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets 64 18 Total Derivative Assets $ 202 $ 82 Derivative Liabilities: Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities $ 9 $ 37 Forward currency contracts Other long-term liabilities 10 33 19 69 Non-Designated Derivative Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities 26 21 Total Derivative Liabilities $ 45 $ 90 (1) We classify derivative assets and liabilities as current when the settlement date of the derivative contract is one year or less.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following: As of June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market and government funds $ 49 $ — $ — $ 49 $ 21 $ — $ — $ 21 Publicly-held securities 1 — — 1 15 — — 15 Forward currency contracts — 202 — 202 — 82 — 82 $ 50 $ 202 $ — $ 253 $ 36 $ 82 $ — $ 118 Liabilities Forward currency contracts $ — $ 45 $ — $ 45 $ — $ 90 $ — $ 90 Accrued contingent consideration — — 279 279 — — 169 169 $ — $ 45 $ 279 $ 324 $ — $ 90 $ 169 $ 259

Borrowings and Credit Arrange30

Borrowings and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt maturities	(in millions, except interest rates) Issuance Date Maturity Date As of Semi-annual Coupon Rate June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 October 2018 Notes August 2013 October 2018 — †† 2.650% January 2020 Notes December 2009 January 2020 850 850 6.000% May 2020 Notes May 2015 May 2020 600 600 2.850% May 2022 Notes May 2015 May 2022 500 500 3.375% October 2023 Notes August 2013 October 2023 450 450 4.125% May 2025 Notes May 2015 May 2025 750 750 3.850% March 2028 Notes February 2018 March 2028 1,000 — 4.000% November 2035 Notes November 2005 November 2035 350 350 7.000% January 2040 Notes December 2009 January 2040 300 300 7.375% Unamortized Debt Issuance Discount 2020 - 2040 (32 ) (24 ) Unamortized Gain on Fair Value Hedges 2020 - 2023 32 38 Capital Lease Obligation Various 8 1 Long-term debt $ 4,808 $ 3,815 †† As of December 31, 2017 , $600 million under the October 2018 Notes was outstanding and classified as short-term debt. Note: The table above does not include unamortized amounts related to interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges.
Summary Of Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility Agreement Compliance With Debt Covenants [Table Text Block]	Covenant Requirement Actual as of June 30, 2018 as of June 30, 2018 Maximum leverage ratio (1) 3.5 times 2.4 times (1) Ratio of total debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit agreement, for the preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters.
Quantitative Information about Transferred Financial Assets that have been Derecognized and Other Financial Assets Managed Together [Table Text Block]	As of June 30, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Factoring Arrangements Capacity (1) Amount De-recognized Average Interest Rate Capacity (1) Amount De-recognized Average Interest Rate Euro denominated $ 442 $ 161 1.5 % $ 456 $ 171 1.8 % Yen denominated (2) $ 470 $ 216 0.5 % $ 195 $ 157 1.3 % (1) The capacities are translated from local currency to U.S. dollar using the spot rates on the last business day of each period. (2) The factoring arrangements denominated in Japanese yen consist of two arrangements, one with a maximum capacity of 22.000 billion yen, which has been discontinued as of June 30, 2018, and a new arrangement with a maximum capacity of 30.000 billion yen entered into during March 2018 .

Restructuring Related Activit31

Restructuring Related Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and related costs	The following presents these costs (credits) by major type and line item within our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ 2 $ — $ 2 $ 5 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 16 — 16 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — (5 ) (5 ) — 16 (5 ) 11 $ 2 $ 16 $ (3 ) $ 15 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ — $ — $ 1 $ 1 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 12 — 12 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 3 3 — 12 3 15 $ — $ 12 $ 4 $ 16 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ 15 $ — $ 3 $ 18 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 23 — 23 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 3 3 — 23 3 26 $ 15 $ 23 $ 6 $ 43 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Termination Benefits Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges (credits) $ 3 $ — $ 2 $ 5 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 24 — 24 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 6 6 — 24 6 30 $ 3 $ 24 $ 8 $ 35
Cumulative Restructuring Charges [Text Block]	The following table presents cumulative restructuring and restructuring-related charges as of June 30, 2018 , by major type: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan Termination benefits $ 63 Other (1) 18 Total restructuring charges 82 Transfer costs 83 Other (2) 19 Restructuring-related expenses 102 $ 184 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to our Restructuring Plan, including program management, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs and costs to transfer product lines among facilities.
Cash payments associated with restructuring initiatives	Cash payments were made using cash generated from operations and are comprised of the following: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Termination benefits $ 20 Transfer costs 23 Other 8 $ 51 Program to Date Termination benefits $ 47 Transfer costs 82 Other 19 $ 148
Summary of accrued expenses within accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets	The following is a rollforward of the termination benefit liability, which is reported as a component of Accrued expenses included in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets : (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan Accrued as of December 31, 2017 $ 22 Charges (credits) 15 Cash payments (20 ) Accrued as of June 30, 2018 $ 18
2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and related costs	The following table provides a summary of our estimates of costs associated with the 2016 Restructuring Plan by major type of cost: Type of cost Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred Restructuring charges: Termination benefits $105 million to $115 million Other (1) $35 million to $60 million Restructuring-related expenses: Other (2) $135 million to $150 million $275 million to $325 million (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to the 2016 Restructuring Plan, including program management, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs and costs to transfer product

Supplemental Balance Sheet In32

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]	As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 208 $ 188 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in Other current assets 756 803 Restricted cash equivalents included in Other long-term assets 31 26 $ 994 $ 1,017
Trade accounts receivable, net	As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 1,650 $ 1,645 Allowance for doubtful accounts (63 ) (68 ) Allowance for sales returns (1) — (30 ) $ 1,587 $ 1,548 (1) Due to the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 effective January 1, 2018, the allowance for sales returns has been prospectively reclassified from Trade accounts receivable, net to Other current liabilities within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets . Prior period balances remain unchanged. Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ 67 $ 75 $ 68 $ 73 Net charges to expenses 4 2 8 5 Utilization of allowances (8 ) (3 ) (14 ) (4 ) Ending balance $ 63 $ 74 $ 63 $ 74
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Finished goods $ 689 $ 685 Work-in-process 102 110 Raw materials 296 284 $ 1,087 $ 1,078
Property, plant and equipment, net	As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 102 $ 102 Buildings and improvements 1,124 1,120 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3,255 3,183 Capital in progress 229 219 4,709 4,625 Accumulated depreciation (2,995 ) (2,928 ) $ 1,715 $ 1,697
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Legal reserves $ 1,043 $ 1,176 Payroll and related liabilities 528 591 Accrued contingent consideration 52 36 Other 644 653 $ 2,266 $ 2,456
Other long-term liabilities	As of (in millions) June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accrued income taxes $ 781 $ 1,275 Legal reserves 221 436 Accrued contingent consideration 227 133 Other 716 525 $ 1,945 $ 2,370

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Schedule of Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Effective tax rate from continuing operations (60.3 )% (60.3 )% (27.3 )% (10.1 )%

Weighted Average Shares Outst34

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 1,380.5 1,369.8 1,378.5 1,367.6 Net effect of common stock equivalents 18.3 21.3 19.3 23.0 Weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution 1,398.9 1,391.1 1,397.8 1,390.6

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information By Segment	A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net sales MedSurg* $ 751 $ 680 $ 1,462 $ 1,321 Rhythm and Neuro* 775 700 1,512 1,368 Cardiovascular 965 876 1,898 1,728 $ 2,490 $ 2,257 $ 4,870 $ 4,418 Income (loss) before income taxes MedSurg* $ 273 $ 244 $ 532 $ 459 Rhythm and Neuro* 160 137 313 246 Cardiovascular 300 262 590 494 Operating income allocated to reportable segments 734 643 1,436 1,199 Corporate expenses, including hedging activities (100 ) (56 ) (200 ) (115 ) Intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition-related, restructuring- and restructuring-related and litigation-related net credits (charges) (95 ) (220 ) (149 ) (210 ) Amortization expense (147 ) (142 ) (288 ) (285 ) Operating income (loss) 392 225 799 589 Other expense, net (45 ) (134 ) (129 ) (193 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ 347 $ 91 $ 670 $ 396 Operating Income as a Percentage of Segment Net Sales MedSurg* 36.4 % 35.8 % 36.4 % 34.7 % Rhythm and Neuro* 20.6 % 19.6 % 20.7 % 18.0 % Cardiovascular 31.1 % 29.8 % 31.1 % 28.6 %

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Deferred Revenue	$ 384	$ 384	$ 411
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized	$ 26	$ 53
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]		The following tables disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by business and geographic region (in millions): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Businesses 2018 2017 2018 2017 Endoscopy U.S. $ 245 $ 225 $ 477 $ 439 International 197 175 384 341 Worldwide 442 400 861 780 Urology and Pelvic Health U.S. 213 196 409 379 International 96 84 192 163 Worldwide 308 280 601 542 Cardiac Rhythm Management U.S. 290 287 580 571 International 204 193 407 372 Worldwide 494 480 987 943 Electrophysiology U.S. 39 34 74 66 International 40 33 79 64 Worldwide 79 67 154 130 Neuromodulation U.S. 160 125 291 241 International 42 29 79 54 Worldwide 202 154 371 295 Interventional Cardiology U.S. 296 280 577 558 International 366 323 730 636 Worldwide 662 603 1,307 1,194 Peripheral Interventions U.S. 152 144 297 286 International 152 129 294 248 Worldwide 304 273 591 534 Total Company U.S. 1,394 1,291 2,704 2,540 International 1,096 966 2,166 1,878 Net Sales $ 2,490 $ 2,257 $ 4,870 $ 4,418 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Geographic Regions 2018 2017 2018 2017 U.S. $ 1,394 $ 1,291 $ 2,704 $ 2,540 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) 558 482 1,121 937 APAC (Asia-Pacific) 442 393 857 764 LACA (Latin America and Canada) 96 90 188 173 $ 2,490 $ 2,257 $ 4,870 $ 4,418 Emerging Markets (1) $ 276 $ 226 $ 531 $ 434 (1) Emerging Markets is defined as certain countries that we believe have strong growth potential based on their economic conditions, healthcare sectors and our global capabilities. Currently, we include 20 countries in our definition of Emerging Markets.

Changes in Other Comprehensiv37

Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract]
Changes in Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	The following tables provide the reclassifications out of Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax : (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of March 31, 2018 $ (22 ) $ (79 ) $ (27 ) $ (128 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (40 ) 151 — 111 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (5 ) 7 — 2 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (45 ) 158 — 112 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ (68 ) $ 79 $ (27 ) $ (16 ) (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of March 31, 2017 $ (71 ) $ 52 $ (6 ) $ (21 ) $ (46 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 13 (4 ) — — 9 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — (17 ) 2 (1 ) (16 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 13 (21 ) 2 (1 ) (7 ) Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ (58 ) $ 31 $ (4 ) $ (22 ) $ (53 ) (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ (32 ) $ 1 $ (1 ) $ (27 ) $ (59 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (31 ) 59 — — 28 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (5 ) 19 1 — 15 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (36 ) 78 — — 42 Balance as of June 30, 2018 $ (68 ) $ 79 $ — $ (27 ) $ (16 ) (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Derivative Financial Instruments Unrealized Gains/Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities Defined Benefit Pension Items/Other Total Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ (79 ) $ 107 $ (6 ) $ (21 ) $ 1 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 21 (41 ) — (2 ) (22 ) (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — (35 ) 2 1 (32 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 21 (76 ) 2 (1 ) (54 ) Balance as of June 30, 2017 $ (58 ) $ 31 $ (4 ) $ (22 ) $ (53 )

Basis of Presentation ASUs Impl

Basis of Presentation ASUs Implemented (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		$ 177
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 55
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description of Prior-period Information Retrospectively Adjusted	58
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description of Prior-period Information Retrospectively Adjusted	205
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description of Prior-period Information Retrospectively Adjusted	12
Deferred Income Tax Charge [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description of Prior-period Information Retrospectively Adjusted	41

Acquisitions and Strategic In39

Acquisitions and Strategic Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 20, 2018	Jul. 05, 2018	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 16, 2018	May 16, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 01, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability						$ (4)	$ (24)	$ 1	$ (74)
Adjustments to accrued contingent consideration								(22)
Contingent consideration expense (benefit)								1
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)						12	$ (76)	(11)	(78)
Goodwill						7,242		7,242		$ 6,998
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability						279		279		$ 169
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs						140		140
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired								418	392
Payment of contingent consideration								(9)	$ (28)
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High						1,532		1,532			$ 130
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination								391
revenue-based payments [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability						120		120
R&D and Commercialization-based Milestone [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability						159		$ 159
Minimum [Member] | revenue-based payments [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
contingent consideration liability, projected year of payment								2,018
Minimum [Member] | R&D and Commercialization-based Milestone [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
contingent consideration liability, projected year of payment								2,018
Maximum [Member] | revenue-based payments [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
contingent consideration liability, projected year of payment								2,026
Maximum [Member] | R&D and Commercialization-based Milestone [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
contingent consideration liability, projected year of payment								2,022
2017 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill						183		$ 183
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired								391
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles						278		278
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets						25		25
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities						$ (95)		(95)
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired								$ 268
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life								13 years
Range of Risk Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation						24.00%		24.00%
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired								$ 10
Range of Risk Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation						24.00%		24.00%
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life								2 years
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life								13 years
2017 Acquisitions [Member] | Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired								$ 278
2018 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill						$ 273		273
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability						140		140
Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value								81
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired								419
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles						418		418
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets						53		53
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities						(5)		(5)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities						(99)		(99)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill						$ 418		418
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination								639
2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired								$ 410
2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life								10 years
Range of Risk Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation						17.00%		17.00%
2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life								13 years
Range of Risk Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation						23.00%		23.00%
2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired								$ 7
2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life								6 years
Range of Risk Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation						13.00%		13.00%
2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life								13 years
Range of Risk Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation						15.00%		15.00%
NxThera [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross			$ 306
Potential Payments based on certain milestones gross amount			100
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired			240
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High			$ 85
nVision [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired				$ 150
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High				$ 125
Other 2018 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High						$ 10		$ 10
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred								$ 50
Symetis [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired					$ 430
Subsequent Event [Member] | Claret [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 220
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	$ 50
Subsequent Event [Member] | Cryterion [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable		65.00%
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		$ 202
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member] | revenue-based payments [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input								11.00%
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member] | R&D and Commercialization-based Milestone [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input								3.00%
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member] | revenue-based payments [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input								15.00%
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member] | R&D and Commercialization-based Milestone [Member] | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input								4.00%

Strategic Investments (Details)

Strategic Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 24, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Nov. 01, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High		$ 1,532		$ 1,532			$ 130
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity		328		328
potential up-front cash payment							$ 145
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)		12	$ (76)	(11)	$ (78)
Equity Method Investments		281		281		$ 209
Cost Method Investments		82		82		81
Available-for-sale Securities		1		1		15
Notes Receivable From Portfolio Companies		18		18		47
Investments		$ 382		$ 382		$ 353
Millipede [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 90
Closing payment	325
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	$ 125

Goodwill and Other Intangible41

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 11,855	$ 11,536
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(6,314)	(6,097)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, including goodwill	17,535	17,295
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, accumulated write-offs	(9,900)	(9,900)
Goodwill	7,242	6,998
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(29)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	273
Rhythm Management [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,799	417
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	1,379
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(22)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	25
Cardiovascular [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	3,699	3,704
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(5)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
MedSurg [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,744	2,877
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	(1,379)
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(2)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	248
Unclassified Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	17,142	16,898
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(9,900)	(9,900)
Technology-related [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	120	120
In-process research and development [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	273	278
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	9,698	9,386
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(5,032)	(4,880)
Patents [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	517	517
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(384)	(379)
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,640	1,633
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (897)	$ (838)

Fair Value Measurements Fair 42

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	$ 739	$ 632	$ 1,411	$ 1,282
Interest Expense	57	58	119	115
Derivative Assets	202		202		$ 82
Derivative Liabilities	45		45		90
Available-for-sale Securities	1		1		15
Cash	159		159		167
Cost-method Investments, Aggregate Carrying Amount	82		82		81
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	6,702		6,702		5,945
Derivative, Notional Amount	8,295		8,295		5,923
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	49		49		21
Available-for-sale Securities	1		1		15
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	202		202		82
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	253		253		118
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	45		45		90
Accrued Contingent Consideration	279		279		169
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	324		324		259
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	49		49		21
Available-for-sale Securities	1		1		15
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	50		50		36
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Accrued Contingent Consideration	0		0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	0		0		0
Available-for-sale Securities	0		0		0
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	202		202		82
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	202		202		82
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	45		45		90
Accrued Contingent Consideration	0		0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	45		45		90
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	0		0		0
Available-for-sale Securities	0		0		0
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	0		0		0
Accrued Contingent Consideration	279		279		169
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure	279		279		169
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	139		139		64
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	19		19		69
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid And Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	24		24		7
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	94		94		57
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	9		9		37
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value	10		10		33
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Prepaid And Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	64		64		18
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other current liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	26		26		21
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	32	5	8	(12)
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	(33)	(13)	(17)	4
Net currency exchange gain (loss)	(1)	(8)	(9)	(8)
Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value	21		21
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	(215)	6	97	64
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	48	(2)	22	(23)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	(167)	4	76	41
Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	(3)	(27)	(18)	(56)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	(2)	17	(14)	35
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	(1)	10	(4)	21
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,635		2,635		2,671
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	1,455		1,455		0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	4,205		4,205		$ 3,252
Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	41		41
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	12		12
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	1		1
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cost of Goods, Product Line [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	11		11
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	21		21	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	(5)		(5)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	16		16	0
Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	(7)		(7)	(1)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	5		5	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	2		2	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	194	(6)	77	(64)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	(44)	2	(17)	23
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	151	(4)	59	(41)
Derivative Instruments, Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion	(10)	(27)	(25)	(55)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	(7)	17	(19)	34
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	$ (2)	$ 10	$ (6)	$ 21

Borrowings and Credit Arrange43

Borrowings and Credit Arrangements (Details) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018JPY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2018JPY (¥)	Feb. 26, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 04, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 6,493	$ 5,616
Debt, Current	1,685	$ 1,801
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 400
Average interest rate of de-recognized receivables	1.50%	1.80%
Maximum Amount Of Proceeds From Sale Of Finance Receivables	$ 442	$ 456
De-recognized receivables	161	171
Long-term Debt	$ (4,808)	(3,815)
October 2018 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Current		$ 600
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.65%	2.65%	2.65%
Long-term Debt	$ 0
January 2020 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Long-term Debt	$ (850)	$ (850)
May 2020 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.85%	2.85%	2.85%
Long-term Debt	$ (600)	$ (600)
May 2022 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.375%	3.375%	3.375%
Long-term Debt	$ (500)	$ (500)
May 2025 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.85%	3.85%	3.85%
Long-term Debt	$ (750)	$ (750)
March 2028 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%		4.00%
Long-term Debt	$ (1,000)	$ 0			$ (1,000)
October 2023 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.125%	4.125%	4.125%
Long-term Debt	$ (450)	$ (450)
November 2035 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Long-term Debt	$ (350)	$ (350)
January 2040 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.375%	7.375%	7.375%
Long-term Debt	$ (300)	$ (300)
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	(4,800)	(4,400)
Premiums, accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs & investor discount costs [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	(32)	(24)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	(32)	(38)
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	(8)	(1)
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper	2,250
Commercial Paper, Not Included with Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper	$ 1,685	$ 1,197
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time	2.58%	1.85%	2.58%
the 2017 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Exclusion from EBITDA for Restructuring Charges						$ 500
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 2,250
Restructuring charges remaining to be excluded from calculation of consolidated EBITDA	400
Litigation and Debt Exclusion from EBITDA						$ 2,624
Legal payments remaining to be excluded from calculation of consolidated EBITDA	$ 1,526
Actual, Covenant [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio	2.4		2.4
Current Requirement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio	3.5		3.5
Japanese Factoring Program [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Amount Of Proceeds From Sale Of Finance Receivables | ¥			¥ 22,000
March 2018 Yen Factoring Program Max Capacity [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Amount Of Proceeds From Sale Of Finance Receivables | ¥				¥ 30,000
Uncommitted Credit Facilities With A Commercial Japanese Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average interest rate of de-recognized receivables	0.50%	1.30%
Maximum Amount Of Proceeds From Sale Of Finance Receivables	$ 470	$ 195
De-recognized receivables	$ 216	$ 157

Restructuring Related Activit44

Restructuring Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		25 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	$ 15	$ 16	$ 43	$ 35
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	11	15	26	30
Restructuring Charges	5	1	18	5
2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost					$ 102
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	184		184		184
Payments for Restructuring			(51)		(148)
Other Restructuring Costs					19
Restructuring Charges					82
Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	2	0	15	3
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	0	0	0	0
Restructuring Charges	2	0	15	3
Termination Benefits [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	18		18		18	$ 22
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Payments for Restructuring			(20)		(47)
Restructuring Charges			15		63
Transfer costs [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	16	12	23	24
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	16	12	23	24
Restructuring Charges	0	0	0	0
Transfer costs [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date					83
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Payments for Restructuring			(23)		(82)
Other [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	(3)	4	6	8
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	(5)	3	3	6
Restructuring Charges	2	1	3	2
Other [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Payments for Restructuring			(8)		(19)
Restructuring Charges					18
Minimum [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	275		275		275
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Restructuring plan estimated future cash outflow			250
Minimum [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	105		105		105
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	35		35		35
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Other [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	135		135		135
Maximum [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	325		325		325
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Restructuring plan estimated future cash outflow			300
Maximum [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	115		115		115
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	60		60		60
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Other [Member] | 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	150		150		$ 150
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	(5)	3	3	6
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	0	0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Transfer costs [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	0	0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Other [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	(5)	3	3	6
Cost of Sales [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	16	12	23	24
Cost of Sales [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	0	0	0	0
Cost of Sales [Member] | Transfer costs [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	16	12	23	24
Cost of Sales [Member] | Other [Member]
Estimated costs of restructuring program by major type of cost
Other Restructuring Costs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Supplemental Balance Sheet In45

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 208	$ 195	$ 208	$ 195	$ 188
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	756	255	756	255	803
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	994	476	994	476	1,017	$ 487
Trade accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable	1,650		1,650		1,645
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(63)		(63)		(68)
Less: allowance for sales returns	0		0		(30)
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,587		1,587		1,548
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Beginning balance	67	75	68	73
Charges to expenses	4	2	8	5
Utilization of allowances	(8)	(3)	(14)	(4)
Ending balance	63	74	63	74
Inventories
Finished goods	689		689		685
Work-in-process	102		102		110
Raw materials	296		296		284
Inventories	1,087		1,087		1,078
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	31	27	31	27	26
prepaid and other current assets	1,001		1,001		942
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land	102		102		102
Buildings and improvements	1,124		1,124		1,120
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	3,255		3,255		3,183
Capital in progress	229		229		219
Property, plant and equipment	4,709		4,709		4,625
Less: accumulated depreciation	(2,995)		(2,995)		(2,928)
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,715		1,715		1,697
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Depreciation expense	70	$ 65	137	$ 127
Accrued expenses
Legal reserves	1,043		1,043		1,176
Payroll and related liabilities	528		528		591
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current	52		52		36
Other	644		644		653
Accrued expenses	2,266		2,266		2,456
Other long-term liabilities
Accrued income taxes	781		781		1,275
Legal reserves	221		221		436
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent	227		227		133
Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent	716		716		525
Other long-term liabilities	$ 1,945		$ 1,945		$ 2,370

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 15, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		$ 506		$ 506				$ 1,238
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate		$ 432		432				1,150
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 303
Litigation Settlement Interest	$ 307
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions				$ 250
Reported tax rate		(60.30%)	(60.30%)	(27.30%)	(10.10%)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued, Total		$ 78		$ 78				$ 655
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense		2	$ 13	19	$ 26
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent								35.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ 28		37
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)								$ 99
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				824
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Liability				866
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Liability Net Existing				$ 506
Subsequent Event [Member]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent							21.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities						$ 221

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Millions	Nov. 10, 2017EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)patents	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)patents	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 24, 2018claims	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Accrual for legal matters that are probable and estimable | $		$ 1,264		$ 1,264			$ 1,612
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents | $		787		787			$ 829
Litigation Settlement, Expense | $		$ 0	$ 205	$ 0	$ 208
Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value | €	€ 245
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value | €	€ 620
Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number | patents		2		2
Subsequent Event [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product						49,500
Putative class actions in the U.S., Mesh						8
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product - Canada						25
Certified class actions in Canada, Mesh						1
Putative class actions in Canada, Mesh						3
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product - United Kingdom						25
Assigned to one judge in MA [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product						3,100
Settled Litigation [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product						48,000
Total Product liability cases and claims settled related to Mesh product						27,000

Weighted Average Shares Outst48

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	1,380.5	1,369.8	1,378.5	1,367.6
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	18.3	21.3	19.3	23
Weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution	1,398.9	1,391.1	1,397.8	1,390.6
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	2	1	8	8

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)reportablesegments	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting (Textuals) [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | reportablesegments			3
Net sales
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,490	$ 2,257	$ 4,870	$ 4,418
Operating Income Allocated to Reportable Segments	734	643	1,436	1,199
Amortization expense	(147)	(142)	(288)	(285)
Operating income (loss)	392	225	799	589
Other expense, net	(45)	(134)	(129)	(193)
Income (loss) before income taxes	347	91	670	396
Cardiovascular [Member]
Net sales
Net sales allocated to reportable segments	965	876	1,898	1,728
Operating Income Allocated to Reportable Segments	$ 300	$ 262	$ 590	$ 494
Segment Operating Income as a Percentage of Net Sales	31.10%	29.80%	31.10%	28.60%
Rhythm and Neuro [Member]
Net sales
Net sales allocated to reportable segments	$ 775	$ 700	$ 1,512	$ 1,368
Operating Income Allocated to Reportable Segments	$ 160	$ 137	$ 313	$ 246
Segment Operating Income as a Percentage of Net Sales	20.60%	19.60%	20.70%	18.00%
MedSurg [Member]
Net sales
Net sales allocated to reportable segments	$ 751	$ 680	$ 1,462	$ 1,321
Operating Income Allocated to Reportable Segments	$ 273	$ 244	$ 532	$ 459
Segment Operating Income as a Percentage of Net Sales	36.40%	35.80%	36.40%	34.70%
Corporate expenses and currency exchange [Member]
Net sales
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	$ (100)	$ (56)	$ (200)	$ (115)
Special Charges [Member]
Net sales
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	$ (95)	$ (220)	$ (149)	$ (210)

Revenue (Details)

Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 2,490	$ 2,257	$ 4,870	$ 4,418
UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,394	1,291	2,704	2,540
Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	1,096	966	2,166	1,878
EMEA [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	558	482	1,121	937
Asia Pacific [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	442	393	857	764
Latin America [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	96	90	188	173
Emerging Markets [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	276	226	531	434
Global Endoscopy (Endo) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	442	400	861	780
Global Endoscopy (Endo) Reporting Unit [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	245	225	477	439
Global Endoscopy (Endo) Reporting Unit [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	197	175	384	341
Global Urology (Uro) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	308	280	601	542
Global Urology (Uro) Reporting Unit [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	213	196	409	379
Global Urology (Uro) Reporting Unit [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	96	84	192	163
Global CRM Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	494	480	987	943
Global CRM Reporting Unit [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	290	287	580	571
Global CRM Reporting Unit [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	204	193	407	372
Global Electrophysiology (EP) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	79	67	154	130
Global Electrophysiology (EP) Reporting Unit [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	39	34	74	66
Global Electrophysiology (EP) Reporting Unit [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	40	33	79	64
Global Neuromodulation (NM) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	202	154	371	295
Global Neuromodulation (NM) Reporting Unit [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	160	125	291	241
Global Neuromodulation (NM) Reporting Unit [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	42	29	79	54
Global Interventional Cardiology (IC) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	662	603	1,307	1,194
Global Interventional Cardiology (IC) Reporting Unit [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	296	280	577	558
Global Interventional Cardiology (IC) Reporting Unit [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	366	323	730	636
Global Peripheral Interventions (PI) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	304	273	591	534
Global Peripheral Interventions (PI) Reporting Unit [Member] | UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	152	144	297	286
Global Peripheral Interventions (PI) Reporting Unit [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax	$ 152	$ 129	$ 294	$ 248

Changes in Other Comprehensiv51

Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ (68)	$ (58)	$ (68)	$ (58)	$ (22)	$ (32)	$ (71)	$ (79)
AOCI, Cash Flow Hedge, Cumulative Gain (Loss), after Tax	79	31	79	31	(79)	1	52	107
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax	0	(4)	0	(4)		(1)	(6)	(6)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax	(27)	(22)	(27)	(22)	(27)	(27)	(21)	(21)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(16)	(53)	(16)	(53)	$ (128)	$ (59)	$ (46)	$ 1
Cumulative Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease)	(40)	13	(31)	21
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	151	(4)	59	(41)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, after Tax		0	0	0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax	0	0	0	(2)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	111	9	28	(22)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(5)	0	(5)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Reclassified from OCI, Net of Tax	7	(17)	19	(35)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax		2	1	2
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax	0	(1)	0	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassifications out of OCI, Net of Tax	2	(16)	15	(32)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(45)	13	(36)	21
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	158	(21)	78	(76)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments and Tax	0	2	0	2
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax	0	(1)	0	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ 112	$ (7)	$ 42	$ (54)