Introduction:
An implantable loop recorder is a kind of heart-monitoring device that tracks the heart's rhythm daily without interruption for three years. This device authorizes and permits healthcare professionals to check the heartbeat while routine day-to-day activities occur. An implantable loop recorder is also referred to as a cardiac event recorder. Post a minor surgery, it is lodged beneath the skin of the chest.
Which Patients Need an Implanted Loop Recorder?
Healthcare professionals such as cardiologists select patients who are suitable candidates for an implantable loop recorder. Some examples of patients are those who are suffering from an abnormal pattern of heart rhythm called arrhythmia, patients who have episodes of strokes due to no genuine reason, and patients who suffer syncope episodes due to no explainable answers.
An implantable loop recorder can reproduce information and statistics of the heart that can be missed by standard diagnostic tools such as an electrocardiogram or Holter monitors and other diagnostic devices used to measure irregular heartbeats of short duration. The main aim of using an implantable loop recorder is to capture the heart's functioning at episodes of strokes, arrhythmias, and faints (syncope) that help in the correct diagnosis and vital treatment planning by the doctors.
How Does an Implantable Loop Recorder Look?
An implantable loop recorder is a tiny machine. It is small and has a rectangular shape. It looks very similar to a memory stick used for computers and laptops. Alternatively, some implantable loop recorders also look like chewing gum patches. The more recent the loop recorder, the more miniature they become. But the functionality does not decrease as per the size; instead, the functionality is inversely proportional to the size. Some of the state-of-the-art implantable loop recorders look like thick matchsticks. They vary in size, ranging from 2.5 centimeters to 5 centimeters. Within them are a battery and an electrical circuit. The outer layer is a biocompatible metal casing.
What to Expect Before and After an Implantable Loop Recorder?
Suppose there is a high risk for the patient of an episode of stroke, atrial fibrillation, or a certain kind of irregular heartbeat. In that case, the doctor may advise an implantable loop recorder. A patient must remember specific things to expect before, during, and after an implantable loop recorder.
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Before an implantable loop recorder, there is no definite requirement for special preparations. There may be certain tests run by healthcare professionals in case they find them a necessity. This purely differs from case to case.
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During an implantable loop recorder placement, a sedative to relax the patient may be administered. This is not the norm since most loop recorders are placed while the patient is still awake. This is possible by a local anesthetic that numbs only the chest area where the procedure is taking place. Miniature incisions are placed on the surgery site, and the implantable loop recorder device is smoothly inserted. The incision is then stitched and closed cleanly. The lodged device will now stay in position for three years.
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After successfully placing an implantable loop recorder, it may be required to limit the daily activities until the surgical scar begins to heal completely.
Complications are very rare in this procedure, both during and post-treatment. Nevertheless, the patient must check for any signs and symptoms of infection at the surgery site, such as redness, itching, irritation, pus discharge, or swelling. A transmitter that will automatically forward information regarding the implanted loop recorded will be handed over to the patient from the healthcare team. In case of any peculiar manifestations or discomfort, a push-button is readily available in the device that promptly alerts the treating doctor and the respective team of the warning sign. The team of healthcare professionals records the patient's entries of such push-button signals for later reference.
What Are the Precautions to Be Taken With an Implantable Loop Recorder?
The healthcare professionals will record and interpret the patient's results. In case of any concerns, the patient may visit them, or they shall connect with the patient. Implantable loop recorders are invisible. It does not hinder day-to-day activities. There are connected wires or patchworks outside the body. Also, there is no chance of getting the device wet, so that, too, is out of the question to be concerned about. During an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), the patient must inform the radiologist regarding the presence of an implantable loop recorder, though it is completely safe. Metal detectors can be set out due to the device, so it is always advisable to carry a doctor's prescription regarding the presence of such an internal device while traveling.
Conclusion:
An implantable loop recorder can aid in diagnosing heart rhythm disorders such as arrhythmias. Patients with blackouts, palpitations and many other medical conditions related to the cardiovascular system are suitable candidates for implanting a loop recorder. The ILR or implantable loop recorder records the heart rhythm and stores it in memory. As is the case with any given invasive procedure, there are some risks of bleeding or infection at the surgical site. It should be noted that such risks are very minimal in this case. Recovery is quick post-surgery with a small scar that may feel sore and heal in no time. Normal daily activities can be slowly resumed but must be under the doctor's prescribed limits. Once the treatment and the required documentation are over, the implantable loop recorder is removed from the body in the same manner that it was inserted with a tiny incision under local anesthesia or sedative.
