New study: drug-coated stents are associated with more clots and heart attacks

Reuters reported that Medtronic shares fell in value this week after publication of a new study showing that medicated stents actually increase the incidence of clotting and complications.  The recent study followed 2,000 patients, who, if treated with a Medtronic  (Endeavor) stent, needed more follow-up procedures than patients treated with an uncoated stent (known as Cypher).  The study was short-term (nine months) and did not show any difference in mortality rates.