Implantable Loop Recorder

Advanced Cardiovascular Center at Houston Methodist West

Implantable Loop Recorder Procedure

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small implantable, easily removable medical device placed under the skin in your chest that is used to monitor for abnormal heart rhythms.

Knowing What to Expect

Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming or scary if you don’t know what to expect. You may have some unanswered questions and worries that make you feel this way. Knowing what to expect will help you feel less nervous and more in control.

Many individuals can undergo external heart monitoring (devices and/or stickers worn underneath clothing and attached to the chest wall) to detect abnormal heart rhythms. However, certain individuals with very infrequent and severe spells consistent with heart rhythm abnormalities may benefit from the temporary placement of an implantable loop recorder to assist in diagnosing the problem. Ask your physician if you may be a candidate for an ILR device.

Understanding the Implantable Loop Recorder Procedure

Following patient sedation and local anesthetic, a small incision (less than 2 inches) is made in the chest wall adjacent to the sternum. The implantable loop recorder is then slid underneath the skin surface and secured into place. The skin surface is appropriately closed with medical glue or sutures. The device can subsequently be removed once the information necessary to diagnose the heart rhythm abnormality has been obtained.

Following implantation, the loop recorder is closely monitored on follow-up visits. Information obtained from the device can be downloaded/retrieved by your physician and is used to assist in diagnosing your medical condition.