What is an IMPLANTABLE LOOP RECORDER (ILR)?

This is a relatively new technique used for detecting symptoms that do not occur frequently, for example, blackouts or dizzy spells.

Typically, an ILR will be requested if the 24-hour Holter ECG did not show up any underlying problem.

The ILR is a small, thin device, about 6 centimetres by 2cm by 0.8cm in size. After administering a local anaesthetic to the skin of the patients front chest wall, the device is placed just under the skin. Over the next 12 months, the IRL will take continuous recordings of the patients heartbeat.

When the patient experiences typical symptoms, e.g. fainting or dizziness, the patient or a family member can mark the recording, using a small hand-held device and also log the incident (providing a brief description of what actually happened, the date and time).

On the next visit to the hospital, a technician can analyse the significance of the information that was recorded and logged. The doctor will be informed of any significant findings.

© 2003 Prometheus™ Healthcare (Pty) Ltd