How long do cardiac stents last?

Why are drug-coated stents used in cardiac vessels > 3.5 mm in diameter?

• ...especially since restenosis in such large vessels is less of a concern, and because a drug-coated stent then requires years of anti-coagulation therapy...  Are doctors reaching for drug-coated stents without thinking?

• Answer:

  You're probably right, but tell me: which physician, in America's incredibly litiginous society, would risk it?