EXHIBIT 23 Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 33-9262; Registration Statement No. 33-29085; Registration Statement No. 33-41459; Registration Statement No. 33- 48502 and Registration Statement No. 33-54435 on Form S-8 of our report dated February 5, 1996, with respect to the supplemental consolidated financial statements of St. Jude Medical, Inc. included in this Report on Form 8-K dated as of December 6, 1996. /s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota December 5, 1996