HF 7475

Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small device placed just below the skin. It is not in the
heart. It is used to monitor heart rhythms long-term. It is about the size of two paperclips
end-to-end.

This device can give you and your physician more information if you have:

  • Unexplained fainting

  • Heart palpitations

  • Slow or fast heart rhythm

  • Unexplained stroke

Day Before Procedure

A nurse will call you the day before your procedure (or the Friday before for Monday procedure). The nurse will review your instructions, including medicine holds and discuss arrival time. If you do not hear from us by 4 pm, please call: 608-915-0200

If you feel sick or have a fever over 101.5°F the day before your procedure, call the clinic.

Placement

The skin on the left side of your chest will be cleansed with an antiseptic. A sterile drape will
cover you so that only the implant site is exposed. A local anesthetic will be given which numbs the area where the loop recorder will be inserted. A small incision is then made in your skin.

The loop recorder is inserted underneath your skin but above your ribs. After the loop recorder is inserted, it will be tested to ensure your heart rhythm recording is clear. The device may need to be repositioned if the recording is suboptimal. Implant time can vary. The small incision will be closed. You may be able to feel the device sitting underneath your skin.

Removal

If you are having a loop recorder removed: The skin on the left side of your chest will be cleansed with an antiseptic. A sterile drape will cover you so that only the area where your previously implanted loop recorder needs to be removed is exposed. A local anesthetic will be given near the site where your loop recorder was previously inserted to numb the area. A small incision is then made in your skin and the loop recorder is removed. The time it takes to remove the device can vary. The small incision is then closed.

Wound Care

  • Typically, surgical glue is used to close the incision.

  • If glue is used, it will fall off over time (usually 5-7 days). Do not pick, scratch, or rub the
    surgical glue.

  • You may shower after 24 hours.

  • Keep the incision clean and pat dry after showering.

  • Do not use any lotions or ointments over the incision.

  • Do not scratch or rub the site.

Pain

You may take a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin®) for any pain. You may also apply an ice pack.


Infection

Look at the site daily for any signs of infection.

  • Redness

  • Swelling

  • Fever (101.5°F or higher)

  • Drainage

  • Tenderness

  • Warm to touch

Medicines

Any medicine instructions or changes will be reviewed with you before going home.


When to Use Symptom/Patient Activator

Use the activator for these symptoms:

  • Palpitations

  • Passing out or nearly passing out

  • Stroke-like symptoms

If app-based, press "symptom" and follow prompts on screen.

If you have an activator button, press when you are having symptoms.

If you do not experience symptoms, the device will still detect and record slow or fast heart
rhythms.

Who to Call

If you have questions, please contact your provider through MyChart or call your provider listed in your After Visit Summary or After Hospital Care Plan. For a list of UW Health Clinics, visit www.uwhealth.org/.

UW Health Heart and Vascular Clinic

Monday-Friday

8:00 am – 4:30 pm

(608) 915-0200.

After clinic hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, your call will go to our after hours answering service.

For questions about your device, please call the device company:

  • Medtronic: 1-800-633-8766

  • Boston Scientific: 1-800-227-3422

  • Abbott/St. Jude Medical 1-800-722- 3423

  • Biotronik: 1-800-547-0394