SPOTLIGHT: Higher risk of clots in drug coated stents


New evidence appears to show that there may be long-term risk of blood clots associated with drug coated stents. Researchers presented evidence which shows "a small but real increase in clots" in the 18 months to three years after implantation. The data covers the two leading brands of drug coated stents, Johnson & Johnson's Cypher and Boston Scientific's Taxus. Some experts, like the Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Eric Topol, said the news is a red flag and argue that problem is one which didn't happen in the bare metal stent era. Article (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)