Have Stents improved in the last 4 years?

My Mother had a heart attack in 1995. She had blockage in one of her arteries and they inserted a stent.  Within 24 hours the stent had "clotted" off or that is how it was described to us.  They inserted a second stent "back to back" to the first stent.  This also "clotted" off and resulted in her having emergency by pass surgery. She is now having problems again and the doctor is suggesting that she may need another stent or surgery.  We are very concerned about this as the last two stents attempts failed.  Have stents improved during the last 4 years?  
Another question we have is about the minimal invasive bypass surgery. Her doctor said a bypass would have to be done open heart. I have read that the minimal invasive surgery can be done on almost any type of graft.
                                   Thanks, Patrick

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Patrick,

Much has changed in thpast four years with stents includeing the improvement in designs as well as new antiplatelet agents to be used in conjuction with stents.  

Surgery as well has new options.  You may wish to seek a second opinion in view of your mothers complex situation.  

I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.

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