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Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a very small heart-monitoring device that monitors your heart rhythm continuously and records abnormal events. Its battery may last for up to three years. It records the electrical signals of your heart and allows remote monitoring using a small device that is inserted just beneath the skin of the chest. 

Why Implantable Loop Recorders are Used

This device may be used for patients who suffered from a stroke with an unknown cause. The blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot (thrombosis) is the most common cause of a stroke. Heart arrhythmias are the leading cause of thrombosis leading to stroke.

Unfortunately, some patients may have silent, or asymptomatic arrhythmias that occur infrequently and are otherwise extremely difficult to diagnose using other diagnostic procedures. Infrequent and asymptomatic arrhythmias can still lead to a stroke, so detection is important to treat and prevent future strokes.

Some patients may experience occasional fainting spells that are secondary to bradycardias or tachycardias. These abnormal heart rhythms may also be infrequent short-lasting but they may be enough to lead to loss of consciousness. These patients may also benefit from prolonged monitoring using an ILR.

About ILRs

The ILR is placed just under the skin of your chest during minor surgery and can capture information that a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor may miss, particularly arrhythmias that are infrequent.

What to Expect

Getting an implantable loop recorder inserted is a minimally invasive procedure. The implantation generally takes less than 10 minutes to perform, but you can expect the process to last several hours because it takes time to prepare for the implantation and you will be monitored afterward.

Before the Procedure

After checking in to the Cardiovascular ASC, you will be taken to a patient room where you will be prepped for the procedure. The left upper chest area will be cleaned and draped in a sterile fashion.

During the Procedure

During the procedure, your doctor numbs the skin over your chest and makes a tiny incision, inserts the implantable loop recorder, and closes the incision with sterile pieces of medical tape. No sutures are required. 

After the Procedure

Your healthcare provider will monitor you after the procedure, but you will go home the same day. In most cases, patients are discharged within 60 minutes after implant. You’ll need to have someone drive you home from the ASC after the procedure.

Be sure to follow all of your doctor’s aftercare instructions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have heavy bleeding from your incision, a fever, or other severe symptoms. The implantable loop recorder stays in place for up to three years.

Contact ASC, LLC

At Cardiovascular ASC, LLC our board-certified cardiologists and electrophysiologists utilize advanced technologies to deliver the highest quality care in a cost-effective setting. Call Cardiovascular ASC, LLC at 727-449-9891 to learn more about our facility and the services we provide.