Drug-coated stents have been in the news a great deal lately, and the "good news-bad news" cycle regarding these devices has taken yet another spin.

The latest research shows that drug-coated heart stents -- implantable devices that are designed to prevent new clots from forming in arteries -- may not increase the risk of blood clots as much as previously thought.

Dr. Stefan James of the Uppsala Clinical Research Centre in Sweden presented his study data to the European Society of Cardiology conference. According to AP, James said the results showed no significant difference between patients who received the drug stents and those who received bare metal ones.

This research conflicts with the other most recent new release that was reported in DOTmed News a few weeks ago that warned of a four-fold risk of complications. Click here Stents Linked to Higher Death Rates to read that story.

Experts are not sure what might explain the research reversal, but more selective stent use might help explain the change, they said.

James said that while patients should be reassured by his research, doctors should still pay close attention to their use. James said he has no ties to pharmaceutical companies and no conflict of interest. Sweden's government funded the study.

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