What is a Loop Recorder Implantation?
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a device that records information about how your heart is working. A loop recorder may be implanted if you have problems such as:
- Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations
- Very fast or slow heartbeats
- Unexplained falls
- Possible hidden heart rhythm problems that can cause
strokes - Heart attack in the past
- Certain gene disorders
During implantation, a small device is placed under the skin on your chest, a few inches below your collarbone. The device works as an electrocardiogram (ECG). It constantly picks up electrical signals from your heart. An ILR records 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 health care provider can see how your heart was acting.
Or you may need to trigger your ILR with an activator. This is a small, handheld device. You press a button on the activator when you are feeling symptoms. The IRL then records your heart’s activity. This device is very useful when you don't have symptoms often or if your provider needs to look at long-term information about your heart.
Once the cause of your symptoms is found, you can be treated. You may need another small device to help control your heart rhythm. This may be a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
How Loop Recorder Implantation is Done
Your cardiologist will make a small cut (incision) in your skin. This is usually done in the left upper chest, a few inches below your collarbone. He or she will make a small pocket under your skin. The cardiologist will place the loop recorder in this pocket. The machine is about the size of a flat AA battery.
Your cardiologist can remove the device in a similar way once enough information has been recorded.