What is an Implantable Loop Recorder?

An implantable loop recorder is a small electrical device that is able to continuously record the heart activity. It is often used to help find a cause for recurrent unexplained syncope when there is a strong suspicion of a heart rhythm cause but all other simple tests have been normal. It can also be used to monitor patient’s heart rhythm after atrial fibrillation ablation procedures.

The implantable loop recorder comes in many different sizes is generally about the size of a computer USB and sits underneath the skin. There are no wires to the heart. It allows continuous recording of the heart’s activity so that we can diagnose arrhythmias.