Problems with Drug-Coated Stents

This article caught my eye yesterday and these findings could have a major impact on the stent industry. Apparently, studies are now showing that drug-coated stents don’t work as well as previous studies indicated in long term trials and patients have to take Plavix along with the stent. Doesn’t taking a drug to prevent clotting defeat the purpose of a drug-coated stent, especially since the cost of the drug-coated stent is significantly higher than a plain metal one?
This article also provides some insight into stents and how quick we can be at jumping into new technology.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2699191&page=1