Loop Recorder

A Loop Recorder is a type of heart-monitoring device that records your heart rhythm continuously for up to three years. It records the electrical signals of your heart and allows remote monitoring by way of a small device inserted just beneath the skin of the chest. The main purpose of a loop recorder is to record your heart rate and rhythm continuously.

Why is a Loop Recorder needed?

Because abnormal heart rhythms and cardiac symptoms may come and go an implantable loop recorder can help answer questions about your heart that other heart-monitoring devices don’t provide. It allows for long-term heart rhythm monitoring. It can capture information that a standard electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or Holter monitor misses because some heart rhythm abnormalities occur infrequently.

Since an implantable loop recorder monitors your heart signals for a much longer time, it’s more likely to capture what your heart is doing during your next fainting spell. This information may help your doctor make a definite diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Loop Recorder insertion at San Tan Cardiovascular Center

The procedure to insert the loop recorder is done in the Cath Lab at San Tan Cardiovascular. Your doctor will inject local anesthetic near your chest bone and make a tiny ¼” incision. The doctor will insert the device, which is smaller than a key or a thumb drive, and then closes the incision. The device stays in place for up to three years.

After the procedure

The device records the electrical impulses of your heart and transmits them automatically to your doctor by way of the internet and blue-tooth technology on your phone. We will help you download the app for your cell phone. If you don’t have a compatible cell phone, then company will provide one. This phone does not have any other functions besides the loop recorder app.

Transmissions occur while you’re asleep. You can also activate the data transmission process yourself. In addition, your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms.

Your doctor will interpret the results of your test and call you if he or she has any concerns. You’ll likely need to see your doctor once or twice a year for routine checkups while the device is in place.

An implantable loop recorder is invisible and doesn’t interfere with your daily activities. It has no patches or wires, and you don’t have to worry about getting the device wet while bathing or swimming. These devices are supposed to be safe for use during a medical imaging procedure called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but let your doctor know about your implant before you schedule such a test.

Your doctor will provide you with a device identification card to carry with you when you travel through airports or any other location that you require you to pass through a metal detector.

How do I get started?

Contact San Tan Cardiovascular Center today to make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers.

At this appointment:

  • we will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and perform a non-invasive, diagnostic test to further determine your medical condition,
  • any pertinent testing that needs to be done beforehand will also be ordered at this time.

Our billing department will then contact your health insurance company to obtain prior authorization.  Upon receiving insurance authorization, the procedure will be scheduled.

Loop Recorder FAQs

Q: What will the monitor tell my doctor?

  • If your medicines are working.
  • Why you have symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, faintness or the feeling that your heart is racing or skipping a beat.
  • If your heart is getting enough oxygen to meet its needs.

Q: What are symptoms that indicate that I might benefit from an implantable loop recorder?

  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Skipped heart beats or irregular heart beats

Q: How do I prepare for the procedure?

The office staff will give you exact instructions for the procedure. If you are taking blood thinners, you will be asked to stop them temporarily.