Implantable Loop Recorder

[Bramble2000]

Hello everyone, I’m sort of new here but not new to heart issues. VT was found when I was about 26, had a failed ablation within 3 days on the NHS - those were the days!

Last week I had an Implantable Loop Recorder fitted. I had one about 15 years ago but I wanted to let folk know about the procedure these days to put minds at rest.

The recorder itself is now much smaller. It’s about the size of a triple A battery sliced lengthways! I was told the procedure would take approximately 40 minutes. After I arrived at the hospital I was asked to removed all my top half clothing and put on a gown open at the front. They then went through my medical history, allergies and any drugs I’m taking. No special instructions are needed prior to the procedure, you can eat and drink as normal and take any regular medications. I then lay down on the couch. My skin was washed with a disinfectant liquid. A large blue sort of sheet was placed over my entire top half including my head which was a little weird but I turned my head to the left where I could chat to the nurse who was assisting. The recorder is placed on the left side, just below the sternum. Obviously a small incision is needed so I was given a numbing, local anaesthetic injection. This is the “worst” part of the whole thing simply because it stings for a few seconds. I needed 5 injections in total. Then it’s left for about 10 minutes to take full effect. Then the incision is made which was about a cm. I was then told I’d feel some pulling which I did but it wasn’t painful. The recorder is loaded into a plastic type device that looks a bit like a large injection. It’s then placed under the skin. Once in place, large steri strips are placed over the small wound, then folded up gauze and finally a dressing. I was told not to get the dressing wet for five days. The dressing was changed myself two days later. While I was there, the device is checked to make sure it’s all working. I was given a box and instructions as to where to put the electronic receiver type box in my home. Ideally it should be put in the bedroom. The instructions to set it up are simple. The machine monitors all the time and sends a report to the hospital once a day. I have no follow up appointment because the recorder will flag up any issues. The whole procedure took only 30 minutes. I had a small amount of bruising after but I had to no pain at all. I can feel the recorder but it doesn’t bother me at all. The battery lasts for about 3 years. After that time, the clinician will decide if a new one needs fitting, if not, the device can stay in forever! If you have an MRI you must tell the hospital you have this device. I was given a document for airport security. It’s an amazing little bit of kit and the procedure is really easy and nothing to worry about. X