Implantable Loop Recorder
General heart health FAQs
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What is an implantable loop recorder?
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a heart monitoring device that can record your heart rhythm continuously. ILRs allow us to monitor your heartbeat for up to three years.
An ILR is made of metal and has a battery and electrical circuit inside. It is rectangular and looks similar to a USB flash drive. The device is placed beneath the skin of your chest.
Having an ILR fitted and wearing an ILR is safe. The device won’t do any damage, shock you in any way, or affect your heart.
Why would you need an implantable loop recorder?
We would typically recommend that you wear an ILR if you have abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias), unexplained fainting (syncope), or if you have had an unexplained stroke.
Using the ILR, we can accurately diagnose your condition and make recommendations on the best treatment for you.
We do not use an ILR specifically to detect heart problems, including angina, stroke or heart attack. However, wearing an ILR may help us to identify these kinds of problems and decide on the best treatment for them.
How does an implantable loop recorder work?
After the ILR is implanted under your skin, it starts to record your heart’s electrical activity.
It monitors your heart rhythm constantly, picking up electrical signals from your heart and taking ‘snapshots’ in the same way as an electrocardiogram (ECG).
We’ll provide you with a transmitting device that goes with the ILR. This will send information from the ILR to your cardiology team at the London Heart Clinic as you sleep.
How is an implantable loop recorder fitted?
Fitting an ILR is a simple procedure that takes around 10-15 minutes. You will be able to return home on the same day.
There is usually no specific preparation required for the procedure. If you are on medication, your cardiologist might ask you to adjust it ahead of the fitting.
During the procedure, the ILR will be placed under your chest skin. This requires local anaesthetic, rather than general anaesthetic, so you will be awake the whole time. Some people find a sedative helps them relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure.
Once we’re ready to proceed, we’ll numb the area of the chest where the ILR will be inserted. Then, we’ll make a small incision in your skin and insert the device. We’ll close the incision using adhesives, stitches or surgical staples.
After the procedure, you’ll need someone to pick you up. This is because it won’t be safe to drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
What to expect when wearing an implantable loop recorder
The ILR has no wires or patches, so it won’t obstruct you in your daily activities. You’ll be able to bathe, swim and do physical exercise with no problems.
For 48 hours after you have had the ILR fitted, we recommend that you avoid raising the arm that’s nearest to the loop recorder above shoulder level, in order to avoid a frozen shoulder. You should try to keep the shoulder as loose and relaxed as possible. We might recommend you avoid some types of physical exercise, such as the gym, sports or any heavy lifting, for about a week as the wound heals.
You’ll be given a transmitter device after your procedure. Usually, it will send data to our cardiology team at night. However, there is also a button on it that you should press if you experience any particular symptoms. This sends us data immediately. For the most accurate results, we may also ask you to keep a diary with details and times of your symptoms. This can be done using a smartphone app.
You may find that the ILR triggers a metal detector, such as when you go through a security scanner at an airport. We’ll give you a device identification card to show in case you set off the detectors.
Imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a mammogram, are safe to have whilst you are wearing the ILR. However, the strong magnetic field could erase any saved data, so you should let us know if you are going to have one of these scans and we will ensure the data is saved.
Results
You won’t be able to see the data from your ILR so we’ll notify you if we notice anything concerning and arrange an appointment. You should have a health check-up at least once a year whilst you are wearing the device.
Have your ILR fitted at London Heart Clinic
Our experienced team will put you at ease, making the fitting of your ILR a seamless procedure.
If you would like to discuss symptoms, your suitability for an ILR, or have any other questions about the device, call us today on 0203 303 0325 to book an appointment.
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What our patients say
After suffering from a heart condition for a number of years I was very happy to meet Dr Ahsan, from the first consultation where he believed there was a solution I have now completed the surgery and had my final consultation with him today…
I am very grateful to have Dr Syed Ahsan as my consultant. Dr Ahsan always greets you warmly on each visit despite his busy workload. Dr Ahsan explains everything clearly and helps you to understand even the most complex medical terms…