Utility of the Implantable Loop Recorder: Current Status

Abstract

Of similar size to a pacemaker, implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are implanted subcutaneously in the left precordial region. The ILRs are equipped with a memory loop and, once activated by the patient by means of a magnet, record a 1-lead electrocardiographic trace, both retrospectively and prospectively, for several minutes.ILRs have a monitoring capability of up to 36 months and are explanted once the diagnosis has been made or the battery has run down. The current indication of ILRs as diagnostic tools is rapresented by the evaluation of transitory symptoms of possible arrhythmic origin, such as syncope and palpitations. Moreover, the theoretical capability of the new generation ILRs to record any kind of arrhythmic events automatically (from atrial fibrillation, to atrial flutter/tachycardia, from ventricular tachycardia to bradyarrhytmic events) suggests the possibility to use these devices also in the longterm evaluation of the total (symptomatic and asymptomatic) arrhythmic burden of patients at risk of arrhythmic events.