Loop Recorder
The Insertable Loop Recorder is a new technology that is inserted under the skin in the upper chest area in a procedure that typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Smaller than a pack of gum, the Loop Recorder continuously monitors the rate and rhythm of the heart, recording its activity for up to 14 months.
A hand-help, pager-sized activator is placed over the patient's recorder so that a physician can later analyze the stored information for an abnormal heart rhythm. Once this is done, the device is removed and either treatment is begun or the patient is referred to other specialists.
Cardiac Event Monitoring.
Cardiac event monitoring is sued when symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm occur infrequently so a long-term device is needed to track the occurrences. Information collected by a cardiac event monitor can often be sent over the phone to a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital so the patient's symptoms can be reviewed and a treatment plan developed.
Two types of cardiac event monitors are available:
Presymptom Event Monitor
This is a small device that attaches to the chest with electrodes and is about the size of a pager. When symptoms occur, the patient presses a button on the monitor to make a permanent recording of their heart rhythm. This monitor also saves a small amount of information about how your heart was beating before the save button was pressed (presymptom recording).
Postsymptom Event Monitor
This device is used only when symptoms occur. One type is worn on the wrist like a watch. When symptoms occur, you press a button to start the recording. The other type is a device that is you carry with you and press the back of against your chest and then press a button to start the recording when symptoms occur. These handheld monitors can be very small (some are about the size and shape of a credit card).