Advanced, Long-Term Heart Rhythm Monitoring
An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small, discreet device placed just beneath the skin of the chest to continuously monitor your heart’s rhythm over an extended period of time. It is especially helpful for diagnosing intermittent or unexplained symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, or palpitations that may be related to abnormal heart rhythms.
Why an ILR May Be Recommended
While external heart monitors (like Holter or event monitors) are commonly used to detect arrhythmias, they only record for a short period of time. If your symptoms are infrequent, severe, or difficult to capture, your doctor may recommend an ILR for long-term monitoring. This device provides a more complete picture of your heart’s electrical activity and helps identify conditions that shorter-term devices might miss.
The Orion ASC staff are available to answer questions that arise during your stay.
A member of the clinical team at the Orion Surgery Center will reach out to you prior to your procedure. They will review your pre-procedure instructions, confirm your arrival time, and address any questions you may have.
At Orion, we want you to feel informed and comfortable every step of the way. Here’s what typically happens during ILR placement:
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
- A very small incision (less than 2 inches) is made near the breastbone.
- The ILR device, about the size of a USB stick, is inserted just beneath the skin.
- The incision is closed with medical-grade glue or sutures, with no need for stitches to be removed later.
- The procedure is quick and typically completed in an outpatient setting.
Once implanted, the device begins continuously recording your heart rhythm, storing data that can be reviewed during follow-up visits or even transmitted remotely to your care team.
The ILR requires no ongoing maintenance from the patient.
Your provider will review and interpret data from the device regularly.
Once a diagnosis has been made, or your symptoms are resolved, the device can be safely and easily removed in a minor procedure.
At Orion, we’re committed to using the most advanced tools to help you understand what’s happening in your heart. The implantable loop recorder is a safe, effective option for patients needing long-term monitoring, and our experienced team will guide you through every step with skill and compassion.