A needle is then inserted in the catheter and used to drill tiny holes in the heart muscle. These holes are thought to serve as channels for blood to flow around clogged arteries and through the heart. The idea for the procedure was developed from studying reptile hearts. Their blood circulates through channels rather than blood vessels. However, MPMR is less expensive and more precise than PTMR, says Dr. Shawl.
Doctors can also remove heart tissue with the needle for further examination.
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