Understanding Loop Recorder Implantation
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a device that records how your heart is working. A loop recorder may be implanted if:
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You have fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
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You have heart palpitations.
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Your heartbeat is very fast or slow.
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You have unexplained falls.
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You have possible hidden heart rhythm problems that can cause a stroke, such as atrial fibrillation.
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You have certain gene disorders.
During implantation, a small device is placed under the skin on your chest, over your heart. The device works as an electrocardiogram. It constantly picks up electrical signals from your heart and records them so your health care provider can evaluate them. In most cases, an ILR works for up to 3 years.
How a loop recorder helps
You may need an ILR if other tests haven’t found the cause of your symptoms. An ILR constantly records your heart’s electrical activity. For example, if you faint because of an arrhythmia, the device records your heart’s activity before, during, and after you faint. Then your provider can see what was going on with your heart rhythm during that time.
Or you may need to set off your ILR with an activator. This is a small, handheld device. You press a button on the activator when you are feeling symptoms. The ILR then records your heart’s activity. This device is very useful when you don't have symptoms often. Or you may use one if your provider needs to look at information about your heart over a longer period of time. Also, a monitoring device may be set up at your home to send data to your provider. It is either set off by you or works automatically. Some devices can also link to an app on your smartphone.
Once the cause of your symptoms are found, then you can be correctly treated. You may need another small device implanted to help control your heart rhythm. This may be a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
How loop recorder implantation is done
The health care provider will first clean the area and inject local numbing medicine. They will then make a small cut (incision) in your skin just to the left of your breastbone (sternum). You will be covered with sterile cloths (drapes) to protect the area from infection during the procedure. An insertion tool will then be placed under the skin where the cut was made. This makes a pocket for the recorder to sit in. The recorder is then placed under the skin and the tool is taken out. After, the cut is often closed with either surgical glue, stitches (sutures), staples, or steri-strips. The ILR is about the size of a AAA battery. It can be felt when pressing on the skin over it. And it may stick out slightly. Usually, it is not noticeable.
Your provider can take out the recorder in a similar way once enough data has been recorded or when the battery life ends.
Risks of loop recorder implantation
All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include:
Your own risks will depend on your age, your health, and other factors. Talk with your health care provider about the risks that most apply to you and when you should notify them of any problems or concerns.