This leaflet will give you advice and information about your implanted cardiac loop recorder (ILR) that you are having fitted.

Your Doctor has recommended an injectable recorder. This is to keep checking on your heart rate and rhythm.

It will be placed under your skin. You will be given a “patient activator” that you can carry with you to record information about any heart related events or symptoms you have.

This loop recorder works in 2 ways:

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

On command. When you have a symptom use the activator to record the hearts electrical activity.

This will let Doctor to decide if your symptoms are related to your heart rhythm. It can be left in place for up to 3 years.

What happens during the procedure?
  • It is a simple surgical procedure. On the day you will be asked to go to Day Case Unit.
  • You should not eat anything for 2 hours before. You can 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 your skin. It is usually on the left side of your chest. This will make the area numb.
  • The nurse will make a small cut on your upper chest area. The device will be placed just under the skin. The wound will be closed using surgical glue and a small dressing will be put on.
  • The device is programmed to the appropriate settings. A demonstration of how to use it will be given by the Cardiac Physiologist.
  • You will then be taken to another ward area in the hospital. Here the nursing staff will check your wound and blood pressure.
  • Approximately 1 hour after 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 information
  • Do not place the activator near water.
  • If your activator becomes lost or damaged please contact the Cardiology Department on the number given on this this leaflet. We can replace the activator. The identification card may also be reissued if lost or damaged.
Advice after the procedure
  • Wound care. The wound is usually closed with surgical glue or steri-strips. A clear dressing will be put on top.
  • The dressing can be taken off 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 while the dressing is on.
  • If you are not sure 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 have symptoms during this time please contact the cardiology department. An appointment will be made to collect information from the device.
  • Cumberland Infirmary  01228 814112
  • West Cumberland Hospital  01946 523295
Removing your Implantable loop recorder 

The device will be removed when:

  • your heart's activity has been recorded during your symptoms
  • the doctor is satisfied that any heart-related causes are identified or ruled out
  • the battery runs low (around 3 years)

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