Description: An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small device that is placed under the skin of your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity over an extended period (up to several years). The ILR is very small, about the size of a memory stick or a small USB drive. It is designed to be discreet and not noticeable under your skin. Most people won’t even be able to see or feel it once implanted.

Purpose: An ILR is used to continuously monitor your heart rhythm and detect any abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may occur intermittently. It is particularly useful for people who experience symptoms like fainting, dizziness, palpitations, or unexplained falls, which might suggest a heart rhythm problem. It is also very commonly implanted for patients who have had a stroke to assess for a common abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation which does not always cause symptoms but still can cause strokes to occur.

Procedure: The device is implanted during a minor surgical procedure, typically done under local anesthesia in the hospital. A small incision is made in your chest, and the ILR is placed just under the skin, usually near your heart. The procedure is very quick and you are able to go home shortly after the procedure.

Next Steps/Follow-up: Once implanted, the ILR continuously monitors your heart’s electrical activity. It records data whenever it detects an abnormal rhythm or when you manually activate it by using a handheld device provided by your doctor. This information is wirelessly transmitted to our offices where the recordings are reviewed to identify any abnormalities.

The ILR can continuously monitor your heart rhythm for months to years, depending on the specific device and your doctor’s recommendation. During this time, you can go about your daily activities as usual while being monitored without any restrictions or limitations.