This device may be used for patients who suffered from cryptogenic stroke (strokes of undetermined etiology or cause). The blockage of an artery in the brain by a clot (thrombosis) is the most common cause of a stroke. Heart arrhythmias are the leading cause of thrombosis leading to stroke. Unfortunately some patients may have silent, or asymptomatic arrhythmias that occur infrequently and are otherwise extremely difficult to diagnose on a routine Holter monitor or a 30 day event monitor. Although these arrhythmias may be infrequent and asymptomatic they can still lead to a stroke.

Other patients have fainting spells secondary to abnormal heart rhythm (bradycardias or tachycardias) that also occurred infrequently and are short lasting, but may be enough to lead to syncope or passing out. These patients may also benefit from prolonged monitoring using a ILR.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a very small heart-monitoring device that records your heart rhythm continuously and may last 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. This procedure may be done as outpatient in the CCC office. During the procedure your doctor numbs the skin over your chest with lidocaine and makes a tiny incision, inserts the device, which is smaller than a key or a thumb drive, and closes the incision with sterile pieces of medical tape. No sutures are required. The device stays in place for up to three years.

Once the battery of the device comes to an end, the device may be removed in a similar manner.

For more information visit CardioSmart.