About Implantable Loop Recorders
When symptoms are so infrequent that a 4-week monitor isn’t likely to capture an episode, we sometimes implant a tiny monitor (about the sizeof the clip on a pen) under the skin overlying the heart. Heart signals are stored in the device and transmitted wirelessly to the internet, where a report is generated that is sent to the cardiologist. Like long-duration ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, implantable loop recorders are particularly helpful in screening people who have had a stroke for atrial fibrillation. Another common reason to implant a loop recorder is to find out the cause of fainting.