Implantable Loop Recorder

What is an implantable loop recorder? 

Implantable Loop Recorders (ILR) are used to help diagnose heart rhythm problems that do not have a clear cause. They are also used when symptoms do not happen often, and other heart monitors have not worked. A loop recorder may be recommended for people with a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeats, palpitations, unexplained strokes, fainting, seizures, or dizziness. It can also be used for long-term monitoring in people with atrial fibrillation. Loop Recorders can provide data for 3-5 years before the battery in them depletes.

How are loop recorders implanted? 

A trained Cardiologist implants the loop recorder under the skin of your left chest area during a simple surgical procedure. The area is numbed with a medication and a small incision about 1 centimeter long is made. The loop recorder is pushed just under the skin and the incision is closed. There is no need for sedation or anesthesia and the procedure itself takes only 5 minutes.

Are there risks to getting an implanted loop recorder?

The surgery to have a loop recorder implanted is considered very safe and complications are rare. The following are some of the risks of having a loop recorder implanted:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction to medications
• Bleeding or bruising
• Swelling

Routine Care of Your Implanted Loop Recorder

After discharge from the hospital, your first visit will be in 3-7 days at one of our Cardiac Device Clinics where a Cardiac Device Specialist will evaluate your surgical incision for proper healing and will check your newly implanted device for proper function. They will also provide you with education about routine device evaluations, remote home monitoring, surgical wound care, and other questions you may have.

The Cardiac Device Specialists are an important part of your care team and will be responsible for evaluating your implanted device at regular intervals and providing valuable information to your Cardiologist. The Cardiac Device Specialists remotely monitor the loop recorder to identify heart rates that are too slow, too fast, or irregular like atrial fibrillation and the information is sent to your Cardiologist. 

We also follow recommended guidelines by sending a monthly summary report to your Cardiologist as well. *Remote monitoring is a diagnostic tool only and should never be used in emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.