An Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) is a small device that constantly measures your heartbeat. We insert it underneath your skin, in the left side of your chest. When you’re experiencing symptoms, you can capture and record your heart rate simply by placing a hand-held activator over the spot where the ILR has been inserted.
Why do I need an ILR?
An ILR is a useful device that helps your doctor determine whether the symptoms you are experiencing are related to heart disease.
You may need an ILR if you are experiencing:
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Seizures
- Fainting
- Palpitations
What can I expect?
An ILR is implanted by Global Cardiology’s heart specialists and a team of specialised cardiovascular nurses in hospital under a local anaesthetic.
You’ll be admitted to hospital on the day of the procedure.
When it’s time to begin, you’ll be taken to the procedure room and asked to lie on an operating table.
You’ll be given medication to help you relax and provide pain relief.
You will then be given a local anaesthetic to numb your upper chest where the ILR will be inserted.
Your cardiologist will then make a small incision and gently insert the device, which is around the size of a USB stick.
The area of the incision will then be stitched up and dressed.
The procedure takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Afterwards, you’ll be moved to a recovery area to rest for a day or two before you can return home. The area where your ILR was implanted may feel sore and bruised, but this should go away after one to two weeks.
