If pt had a drug-eluting stent put in, and needs to get it replaced several years later, is that more or less risky than 1st procedure, or the same?

Stents: Stents are not replaced as they are permanently implanted and are not removed. Restenosis or renarrowing in stents can occur but rarely. Patients can also get narrowing in other artery segments. Both may be handled with repeating stent implantation with similar risk as the first procedure.

Essentially the same: As always, it is best to check that your physician is qualified in this procedure and that his laboratory perormsa a sufficient number of replacements a month...The more successful replacement procedures performed each month is a guide to the expertise of the lab and its staff.