Implantible Loop Recorder


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Patient Information


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	What is an Implantible Loop Recorder?



	An implantible loop recorder (ILR) is a small thin box that is inserted under the skin to record the activity of your heart.

		What does an Implantible Loop Recorder do?






			The ILR monitors and records your heart’s electrical activity in order to identify an irregular heart rhtyhm. You may be experiencing symptoms that indicate you have an abnormal heart rhythm such as palpitations, dizziness or loss of consciousness (blackouts/fainting episodes). The ILR can remain in place for up to 14 months. However the device may be removed sooner depending on when you experience symptoms, such as a fainting spell and your Physician has made a diagnosis, the device can be removed. To capture and record an episode you are required to place a hand held activator over the ILR and press a button in order for the device to save the information. This should be done after recovering from your episode or feeling recovered enough from your symptoms. If required a family member or friend can place the activator over the device to save the information. It is important to carry the activator with you so that any episode can be recorded. A recording will then be stored for your cardiac physiologist and doctor to analyse to determine whether the symptoms were caused by an abnormal heart rhythm. Some types of ILR can be set to automatically detect an abnormal rhythm without using the activator. It is still useful to use the activator when you have symptoms as this will show the medical staff what your heart rhythm is doing when you are feeling unwell.

			Why do I need one?

			Your doctor has advised you require an ILR. The symptoms you maybe suffering from are recurrent loss of consciousness, palpitations, light headedness, or dizziness. Your doctor may have been unable to determine the cause of your symptoms. Inserting an ILR that monitors your heart rate and rhythm may enable your doctor to identify what is causing your symptoms and to prescribe appropriate treatment if required.

			How is the Implantible Loop Recorder implanted?

			The insertion of an ILR can be performed as a day case. The ILR is inserted beneath the skin in the upper chest area or in some circumstances under the arm after local anaesthetic has been used to numb this area of your skin, The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes and once the device has been positioned under the skin the wound can then be stitched, usually with dissolvable stitches that do not require removal. If non dissolvable stitches are used your nurse will arrange a district or practice nurse to remove them. A small dressing will be applied and you will be advised when to remove it. A course of antibiotics to take after the procedure to minimise the risk of infection is often prescribed. If children require an ILR a light general anaesthetic may be used. The wound should be kept clean and dry until it is fully healed, although it is safe to bathe and shower. Should you encounter any problems you should seek advice from your GP, Nurse or Cardiac Physiologist. The procedure involves a small risk of bleeding, bruising and infection to the device site and your doctor or nurse specialist will discuss this with you and asked you to sign a form to obtain your consent for the procedure.

			What happens after the Implantible Loop Recorder is fitted?

			A Cardiac Physiologist will program the ILR to required settings either at the implant or just after, this only takes a few minutes. Before you are discharged home the Physiologist will explain how and when to use your activator. You will also be provided with an information booklet and an ID card. The physiologist will answer any questions you may have.

			Going home

			If you experience any diffi culties with your ILR, contact the cardiology department where your device was inserted. You will be given a contact number before you are discharged from hospital.

			Removing your Implantible Loop Recorder

			Once your hearts activity has been recorded during your symptoms and the doctor is satisfied that any heart rhythm-related causes are identified or ruled out the device can then be removed. The removal of the ILR is similar to when you had it implanted and can be performed as a day case procedure.