Implantable loop recorder: A heart monitoring device

Overview

An implantable loop recorder is a device that records the heartbeat nonstop for up to three years. The device tells your healthcare team how the heart is beating while you do your daily activities.

Other names for this device are:

• Implantable event recorder.
• Cardiac event recorder.

The small device is placed just under the skin of the chest during a minor surgery.

Why it's done

Your healthcare professional may recommend an implantable loop recorder if you have:

• An irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia.
• An unexplained stroke.
• Unexplained fainting.

An implantable loop recorder can see changes in the heartbeat that other heart-recording devices may miss. For example, it may find irregular heartbeats that are brief or that only happen once in a while.

If you have been fainting, your healthcare professional may recommend this device to see if a heart condition is the cause. Information from the recorder can help your healthcare team make a diagnosis and plan treatment.

An implantable loop recorder also may be recommended if you're at high risk of stroke. Some irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation, increase the risk of stroke.

Risks

An implantable loop recorder is placed during a minor surgery. All surgery has risks. But complications of implantable loop recorder placement are uncommon.

Possible risks may include:

• Bleeding.
• Infection.

An implantable loop recorder is considered safe for use during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). But always tell your healthcare team that you have one before you schedule an MRI.

An implantable loop recorder might be spotted by metal detectors, for example, at an airport. Your healthcare team can give you a device identification card to carry with you for such situations.

What you can expect

Before

There's no special preparation for the placement of an implantable loop recorder.

During

An implantable loop recorder is placed under the skin on the chest. The minor surgery is usually done in a medical office or medical center.

You are awake for the procedure. You may get medicine to help you relax. A member of your healthcare team numbs your chest area, which means you won't feel anything. The doctor makes a tiny cut in the chest and inserts the device. The wound is closed. The device stays in place for up to three years.

After

After the device is placed, watch the skin for symptoms of infection. This includes swelling or a change in skin color. You may be told not to do some activities until the wound heals.

You get a device called a transmitter to place beside your bed. It automatically sends information from the recorder to your healthcare professional while you sleep. You also can push a button to send the information immediately if you have symptoms. Your healthcare team may ask you to keep a notebook of any symptoms.

You usually need health checkups once or twice a year while the device is in place.

Results

Information from the recorder goes to your healthcare team. Your healthcare team talks with you about the results. If the device finds a concerning change in your heartbeat, your healthcare team may tell you to go to the hospital.

An implantable loop recorder doesn't interfere with your daily activities. It has no patches or wires. You don't have to worry about getting the device wet while bathing or swimming.