There's no special preparation for the placement of an implantable loop recorder. An implantable loop recorder is placed under the skin on the chest. The minor surgery is usually done in a medical office or medical center.

Understanding the Context

You are awake for the procedure. You may get medicine to help you relax. An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small device that a healthcare provider places in your chest, just beneath the skin. It monitors your heart rate and rhythm and records anything that’s abnormal.

Key Insights

During a loop recorder implantation, your heart health care provider (cardiologist) does a minor procedure. He or she places the machine under your skin, on your chest wall, a few inches below your collarbone. The machine works as an electrocardiogram (ECG), continuously picking up electrical signal from your heart. This information explains what an implantable loop recorder (ILR) is and why you may need one. It also explains the procedure to place an ILR and what to expect while you have one.

Final Thoughts

Care guide for Cardiac Loop Recorder Insertion or Removal. Includes: possible causes, signs and symptoms, standard treatment options and means of care and support. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area where the loop recorder will be placed. A 1-2 centimeter incision will be made on the left side of the chest, and the loop recorder will be placed just under the skin. You may see a small lump where the recorder is placed. Get a clear understanding of the full process for implanting a loop recorder, detailing what to expect from start to finish.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a tiny device inserted under the skin of the chest to continuously monitor heart rhythms for up to 3–6 years, helping diagnose infrequent symptoms like unexplained fainting, palpitations, or rapid/slow heartbeats. It records abnormal events automatically or when triggered by the patient, providing long-term data for arrhythmia management. Learn how electrical activity of the heart is recorded using an implantable loop recorder at the Heart & Vascular Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital. During An implantable loop recorder is placed under the skin on the chest.