In an article to be published on December 19 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, but which was released from embargo today, investigators report that stopping clopidogrel therapy (Plavix) 6 months after stent placement was associated with a doubling in the risk of death or heart attack, over the ensuing year, for patients who had drug-eluting stents (DES) as opposed to bare metal stents (BMS).

The original purpose of the DES was realized, however, as patients with DES had a significantly reduced need for coronary artery revascularization procedures compared to those with BMS. The two questions left by this new information, when added to the reports that have been accumulating over the past year or so suggesting possible late problems with DES, are: a) is the possible risk with DES outweighed by their proven benefits in reducing early problems; and b) just how long do patients need to take Plavix after DES placement?

DrRich discusses this new information on DES, and comments on its implications for doctors and patients, here.