Loop Recorder Implants

Patients displaying symptoms of palpitations, fainting, irregular heartbeats (either very slow or very fast), or hidden rhythms may be asked to wear an implantable loop recorder (ILR). The ILR is implanted under the skin of the chest over the heart. The ILR functions as a portable ECG (echocardiogram) and continuously records the electrical signals from the heart.

Electrical signals are responsible for the beating of the heart. Cells in the sinoatrial (SA) node generate the electric impulse from the right upper chamber of the heart (right atrium). The signal flows down through the heart to the ventricles (the two lower chambers of the heart). The signal causes the heart to contract, creating the heartbeat. The heartbeat is responsible for taking blood into the heart and expelling the blood back out of the heart.

Irregular heartbeats can create a lack of blood to the brain, leading to dizziness and fainting. When the heart rhythm normalizes, the correct amount of blood returns to the brain, and the patient regains consciousness.

No matter what the symptoms, the implantable loop recorder provides information about the heart’s electrical activity, much like an ECG, excellent the ILR can remain implants for up to 3 years.