Loop Recorder Implantation

Heart conditions that require an implantable loop recorder (ILR) include:

• unexplained fainting (syncope) episodes
• an abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) that is very fast, slow and/or irregular. This can cause palpitations and some arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, and increase your risk of stroke.
• an unexplained stroke or if you are at high risk of a stroke.

A loop recorder is usually fitted in an outpatient setting and takes about ten to 15 minutes. You will be given a local anaesthetic so you will be awake but you won’t feel any pain.

There are two types of implantable loop recorder devices:

• Traditional – a small cut around five centimeters is made on the upper left side of your chest and the loop recorder is implanted under your skin.
• Injectable – is newer and a smaller cut, around one centimeter, is made on the mid-left side of your chest. The loop recorder is injected under your skin.

After the loop recorder is in place, the cut is closed using glue or stitches if needed.

An implantable loop recorder can stay in place for up to three years to continuously monitor your heart rate and rhythm.

Once your cardiologist has enough information to understand what is causing your symptoms, they may decide to remove or replace your loop recorder or start treatment.

Loop recorder implantation is a straightforward procedure with very little risk. Your risks will depend on your age, other medical conditions, and other factors.

Problems that may happen include:

• bleeding or bruising around the insertion site
• infection (might require device removal)
• device movement or break through the skin
• damage to your heart or blood vessels
• mild pain at your implantation site

The benefits of having a loop recorder implantation are that it:

• Is invisible and allows your doctor to remotely monitor your heartbeat while you go about your daily activities. It has no patches or wires and you don’t have to worry about getting your device wet while bathing or swimming.
• Can capture information that other tests such as a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor may miss. It is particularly useful if arrhythmias are brief or infrequent. As a loop recorder monitors your heartbeat for a much longer time than a standard ECG, it is more likely to eventually capture what your heart is doing during a fainting episode.
• Information collected can help your cardiologist explain your symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and develop your treatment plan.
• Can improve your health and save your life. Repeated fainting can have a negative effect on your physical and emotional health. Also, certain kinds of fainting greatly increase your chance of sudden death.

The cost of a coronary angiogram will depend on your Ramsay hospital of choice.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your loop recorder implantation following your consultation with one of our expert cardiologists. This formal quote will be valid for 60 days.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers, this treatment is covered by most medical insurance policies as long as they are deemed medically necessary by your doctor. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider. 

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your treatment yourself with no deposit and benefit from flexible payment plans to suit your finances. Find out more about accessing healthcare with us here.

A loop recorder implantation is a long-term heart recording device.

Your sinoatrial (SA) node in the upper right chamber of your heart (right atrium) has a special group of cells that initiate an electrical signal. This starts your heartbeat and helps pump blood in a coordinated way.

Heart rhythm problems can happen if this signalling pathway is disrupted. An abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) may mean your heart cannot pump as much blood as is needed. Reduced blood flow to your brain can cause fainting and palpitations. When your heart rhythm returns to normal, your blood flow is restored and you usually regain consciousness.

A loop recorder is implanted for several reasons. Most commonly, loop recorder implantation is performed to look for causes of fainting, palpitations, very fast or slow heartbeats, and hidden rhythms that can cause strokes.

You can access expert cardiologists and will benefit from a convenient appointment without waiting at our Ramsay hospitals. 

When you visit one of our hospitals for your loop recorder implantation, you can rest assured that we follow strict infection control protocols for you your safety.