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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

Multi-year continuous rhythm monitoring under the skin

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a small leadless cardiac monitor — about the size of a USB key — placed under the skin of the upper chest in a brief in-office or short outpatient procedure. It continuously records heart rhythm for up to three years, transmitting data wirelessly to a remote monitoring service. Loop recorders are the right tool when symptoms are infrequent (every few months) or when patch-based monitors have already failed to catch a suspected arrhythmia. They are coordinated through Cedars-Sinai.

What's Included

  • Pre-procedure evaluation and informed consent
  • Local anesthesia and a brief outpatient implant procedure
  • Continuous rhythm recording for up to 3 years
  • Automated detection of atrial fibrillation, pauses, and tachycardia
  • Patient-triggered recording around symptoms
  • Remote monitoring with daily data transmission
  • Personalized follow-up with Dr. Kedan

How It's Performed

The implant is a brief outpatient procedure performed at Cedars-Sinai (or in selected office settings). Local anesthesia is given over the left upper chest, a small incision is made, and the device is inserted under the skin using a dedicated injector. The incision is closed with a few sutures or surgical glue. Total procedure time is typically 15 to 20 minutes.

How to Prepare

  • Eat and drink normally unless your team instructs otherwise.
  • Take all routine medications.
  • Tell the team about any anticoagulants you are on.
  • Wear loose clothing that allows access to the left upper chest.
  • Arrange a ride home; most patients drive themselves the next day.

What to Expect After

The implant site is mildly sore for a few days and easily managed with simple pain medication. Activity is unrestricted after the first 24 to 48 hours; avoid soaking the wound for a week. Daily remote transmissions begin immediately. Dr. Kedan reviews any abnormal events promptly and discusses overall findings at regular follow-up visits. The device is removed in a similar brief procedure when monitoring is complete.

Indications

  • Unexplained syncope when shorter monitoring has been non-diagnostic
  • Cryptogenic stroke (no clear cause) to look for occult atrial fibrillation
  • Infrequent palpitations occurring less often than monthly
  • Suspected ventricular arrhythmia with structurally normal heart
  • Long-term arrhythmia surveillance after ablation
  • Evaluation in inherited arrhythmia syndromes
  • Documenting symptom-rhythm correlation over the long term

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an implantable loop recorder?
It is a small leadless cardiac monitor — roughly the size of a USB key — placed just under the skin of the upper chest. It continuously records your heart rhythm for up to three years and transmits data daily to a remote monitoring service. It is the most powerful tool available for catching infrequent or elusive arrhythmias.
How is it different from a patch or event monitor?
External patches and event monitors are worn for 2 to 4 weeks and are perfect for symptoms occurring every few days. A loop recorder is implanted and listens continuously for up to 3 years — the right choice when patches have come back negative or when symptoms are very infrequent.
How long does the implant procedure take?
Typically 15 to 20 minutes for the actual implant, with check-in and post-procedure observation extending total time to about an hour.
Is it painful?
You receive local anesthesia and feel pressure rather than pain during the implant. The site is mildly sore for a few days afterward and easily managed with simple pain medication. The device itself is invisible once healed and rarely felt during daily activity.
How do I prepare?
Eat and drink normally, take routine medications, tell the team about any anticoagulants, wear loose clothing that allows access to the left upper chest, and arrange a ride home.
What are the risks?
Risks are very low and include minor bleeding, infection at the implant site, and rare migration of the device. The procedure is among the safer cardiac implants performed.
How long does the device last?
Battery life is approximately 3 years. The device is removed in a brief similar procedure when monitoring is complete or when the battery nears end of life.
Can I still get MRI scans?
Yes — all current loop recorders are MRI conditional, meaning you can safely undergo MRI imaging following standard protocols.
How are the results delivered?
Data is transmitted wirelessly each day to a monitoring service. Notable events — atrial fibrillation, pauses, fast rhythms — are flagged for review. Dr. Kedan reviews findings personally and discusses overall trends at regular follow-up.
How do I schedule one?
Loop recorder implantation follows a clinical evaluation that confirms it is the right next step. Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555 to begin the conversation.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.