The purpose of this leaflet is to give you advice and information about your implanted cardiac loop recorder (ILR) that you are having fitted.

Your Doctor has recommended you be fitted with an injectable recorder which allows continuous monitoring of your heart rate and rhythm.

The device will be inserted under the skin and you will be given a patient activator that can be carried with you to record information about any heart related events/symptoms you experience.

This loop recorder records in two ways:

Automatic—the monitor will be set up to continually monitor and record your heart rate and rhythm.

On command—when you experience a symptom, you can use the activator to record the hearts electrical activity.

This will allow the Doctor to determine if your symptoms are related to your heart rhythm. The device can be left in place for up to three years.

What happens during the procedure?

  • The implantation process is a simple surgical procedure. On the day of the procedure you will be asked to attend Day Case Unit.
  • You should not eat anything for 2 hours before your procedure but you may drink clear fluids up until the procedure.
  • You will be asked to lie down and monitoring equipment will be attached.
  • You will be given a local anaesthetic injection just under the skin usually on the left side of your chest, this will numb the area.
  • The nurse will make a small cut on the upper chest area and the device will be inserted just under the skin. The wound will be closed using surgical glue and a small dressing will be applied.
  • The device is programmed to the appropriate settings and a demonstration of how to use it will be given by the Cardiac Physiologist
  • You will then be transferred to another ward area within the Hospital where the nursing staff will check your wound and blood pressure.
  • Approximately 1 hour after the procedure you will be allowed to go home. 
What happens during the procedure?

The implantation process is a simple surgical procedure. On the day of the procedure you will be asked to attend Day Case Unit.

  • You should not eat anything for 2 hours before your procedure but you may drink clear fluids up until the procedure.
  • You will be asked to lie down and monitoring equipment will be attached.
  • You will be given a local anaesthetic injection just under the skin usually on the left side of your chest, this will numb the area.
  • The nurse will make a small cut on the upper chest area and the device will be inserted just under the skin. The wound will be closed using surgical glue and a small dressing will be applied.
  • The device is programmed to the appropriate settings and a demonstration of how to use it will be given by the Cardiac Physiologist
  • You will then be transferred to another ward area within the Hospital where the nursing staff will check your wound and blood pressure.
  • Approximately 1 hour after the procedure you will be allowed to go home.
 Other precautions
  • During most medical procedures the device should be unaffected but you should let your Doctor or Dentist know that you have the device.
  • ALWAYS carry your ILR device details with you Dentists, Doctor, Emergency personnel and some Security personnel (Airports) will need to know that you have an ILR device.
Important safeguards

Do not place the activator near water.

If your activator becomes lost or damaged please contact the Cardiology Department on the number provided on this this leaflet. We can replace the activator. The identification card may also be reissued if lost/damaged.

Advice on discharge
  • Wound care - The wound is usually closed with surgical glue /steri-strips and a clear dressing applied on top.
  • The dressing can be removed after 7 days if it has not already fallen off.
  • Please contact the Cardiology department if your wound becomes red, hot to touch, swollen or starts to ooze.
  • Whilst the site is healing try to avoid wearing tight clothing that could rub and cause discomfort.
  • If you develop a temperature please contact the Cardiology Department immediately.
  • You can shower as normal but avoid scrubbing the area. Do not have a bath or go swimming whilst the dressing in in place.
  • If you are unsure about your medication please contact your GP
Arrangements for clinic and symptom review
  • A routine follow up appointment will be made automatically for you 18 months after the device has been fitted.
  • If you experience symptoms during this period please contact the cardiology department and an appointment will be made to download information from the device.
  • Cumberland Infirmary  01228 814112
  • West Cumberland Hospital  01946 523295
Removing your Implantable loop recorder 

Once your heart's activity has been recorded during your symptoms and the doctor is satisfied that any heart-related causes are identified or ruled out or the battery runs low (approx. 3 years) the device will be removed.

 

Confidentiality

‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.

For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:

Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961

Feedback

We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:

pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818

If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:

complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302