One of the most common treatments for blocked arteries is a stent, a surgically implanted, tiny mesh tube that props open artery walls.
A new study finds stents that release medication may be the best option for heart attack patients.
Researchers in Sweden studied more than 1,000 patients being treated for heart attack; half received a bare metal stent, the other half were given a stent that released medicine.
They found patients who received the drug-eluting stent had fewer heart problems a year after surgery, and they were less likely to have complications related to the device.
The patients in the study were in their sixties -- a majority were men.
The patients were having a stemi -- or st-segment elevation myocardial infection (type of heart attack).
