STENTS PLACE MOST PATIENTS AT HIGHER RISK OF MI AND DEATH
For many patients, the implantation of a drug eluting stent will not add years to their lives or prevent an impending heart attack. In fact, the primary purpose for implanting the stent in patients who have not suffered a heart attack is to decrease angina (chest pain). Medication on the other hand has been show to be more effective at reducing heart attacks and death.
In other words, the physician recommends placing a metal device in the coronary artery where there are medication alternatives that provide the same or better long term survival. Despite this fact, patients undergo procedures every day that they would be better off avoiding. The physicians, hospitals and medical device companies in return make billions.
Since the studies have revealed that medication is more effective, angioplasty and stent placements are in decline.
See the NY Times Article for more information.
See the NY Times Article for more information.
