Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

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Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a device that is implanted in the body underneath the chest skin. It is used to look for causes of fainting, palpitations, very fast or slow heartbeats, and hidden rhythms that can cause strokes.

Implantable Loop Recorder

How it works?

ILR is a small pen drive size device which is placed under your chest skin. The ILR device continuously records electrical signal from your heart in form of electrocardiogram (ECG). ILR can help in finding out abnormal heart rhythms that can cause a number of problems such as fainting.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) can record heart rhythm for up to 3 years. If you fainted due to an abnormal heart rhythm, the machine records this information before, during, and after the fainting. Healthcare provider can later look at the recordings to figure out the cause.

Why might I need an ILR?

You might need an ILR if you have fainting episodes or palpitations, and other tests have not shown any abnormality. Certain kinds of fainting greatly increase chance for sudden death. These fainting episodes require diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Once you are diagnosed, you may need a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). These could save your life.
Because the loop recorder records for up to 2-3 years, your doctor should eventually be able to analyse your heart rhythms during a fainting episode.

How ILR device works?

ILR device will be programmed to record certain fast and slow heart rates. ILR also come with a handheld activator that tells the loop recorder to save the signals collected over a certain period of time. This is important because it can also help explain if a fast or slow heartbeat is not what is causing your problems. You may keep your loop recorder for up to 2 or 3 years. When you no longer need it, ILR can be removed easily with minor surgical procedure.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is invisible and doesn't interfere with your daily activities. Routine follow-up will be needed in pacemaker clinic every 6 months or sooner if you have symptoms like palpitation or fainting.

ILR devices will not treat any abnormal heart rhythm. They are used only to see if there is a rhythm problem that causes symptoms e.g. blackouts and/or palpitations.

The risks for ILR implantation

ILR implantation surgery is a safe and minor surgery. Most people have the procedure without any problems. Problems might happen in less than 1% of patients.

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