Make an enquiry Back to top Implantable loop recorder An implantable loop recorder is a small cardiac monitoring device that is implanted just under the skin to record your heart rate and rhythm. It is used to check for abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). What is an implantable loop recorder? No-one likes being a patient. At GenesisCare, we help people through their health challenges, so they can move on with their lives. Using the right test for the right situation is one way we ensure that you get better care. An implantable loop recorder can help answer questions about your heart that other heart-monitoring devices cannot, simply because it allows for long-term monitoring. It can also capture information that a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) or ambulatory ECG monitor may miss as some heart rhythm abnormalities occur infrequently. What’s involved in implanting a loop recorder? Inserting the small loop recorder is a relatively simple process and your GenesisCare team will be happy to talk you through it. However, here is an overview of what’s involved: The minor procedure takes about 30 minutes in total, although it takes only about 30 seconds to implant the recorder usually. You will be given a local anaesthetic and sometimes some sedation. A small incision is made below the collar bone The device is implanted, just below the skin The incision is closed up with sutures or “Steri-Strips” You’ll be able to go home approximately 4 hours after your procedure Once in place it’s able to detect and record your heart activity for up to 3 years using a remote monitor. Patient preparation information What is a patient activated recorder This is a small device about the size of a small remote control, which will record the heart beat for a short period when it is activated by you whilst you are experiencing symptoms. You will be in possession of the device for up to one week. Connection of the device takes approximately 20 minutes. On the day of the test Do not use talc, body lotion or wear neck chains. Please wear a 2 piece out-fit. You will be able to remove the device for showering. Connection of the device Requires that adhesive electrodes be placed onto the chest (men may need some hair shaved). During the test If you have symptoms, you should press the event recorder button on the machine and make a note of the symptoms in a special diary which will be given to you. Do not use electric blankets and heating pads including waterbed heating devices. Should you have difficulties with the equipment please notify the office. After the period of monitoring The equipment and symptom diary must be returned at the specified time. A full report will be sent to your Doctor after the results have been reviewed by a Cardiologist. Our cardiology specialists A/Prof Piyush Srivastava Dr David O'Donnell 1 2 Our doctors Keyboard shortcuts Map data ©2021 Google Terms of Use Search for a centre near you Filter by service category Search GenesisCare Who is GenesisCare Take a new look at GenesisCare Safety & quality: Oncology GenesisCare Foundation Website policies Our privacy policy Open Disclosure and Credentialing Policies Contact us COVID-19 Careers Make an enquiry at GenesisCare Refer a patient Contact us Media & Social News Room – What’s been happening