Implanting a loop recorder is often a painless, minimally invasive operation. In order to put the device beneath the skin, a little incision is made close to the left collarbone during the surgery, which is carried out under local anesthetic. The procedure itself is usually well-tolerated, though you might have some mild soreness at the incision site afterward and a slight stinging sensation from the anesthetic injection.
What is Loop Recorder Insertion?
A loop recorder is a tiny device that is implanted beneath the skin of your chest to record the rhythm and rate of your heartbeat. For a maximum of 3 years, it continuously tracks the electrical activity of your heart.
Data is automatically recorded by a loop recorder and sent to your cardiologist for evaluation. Such continuous monitoring helps in the diagnosis of arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats, including atrial fibrillation. Arrhythmias can be harmful and result in problems such as abrupt cardiac arrest and stroke. For this reason, diagnosis and therapy are crucial.
Is Loop Recorder Insertion Painful?
Inserting a loop recorder is often a painless, minimally intrusive process. This is why:
Local anesthetic: The treatment is usually carried out under local anesthetic. This implies that you won’t experience any discomfort during the treatment but will remain awake. The anesthetic injection may cause a little stinging sensation in your body.
Fast Process: Usually, the complete process takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Postoperative Discomfort: After the operation, you can feel a little painful or uncomfortable where the incision was made. Usually, this can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers.
Minimal Incision: Usually, a little skin incision is performed close to the left collarbone.
Why Would You Need a Loop Recorder Implantation?
You could require an ILR if you suffer from fainting episodes or palpitations, and previous tests haven’t yet given you any answers. Each cardiac rhythm disorder may need its own therapy. It’s important to find out what kind of problem you may have, if any. Your physical and mental well-being may suffer if you faint frequently. Also, some sorts of fainting dramatically enhance your probability of sudden death.
These fainting episodes must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. After a diagnosis, you might require an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator or a pacemaker. If your doctor wishes to check for sluggish or extremely rapid heartbeats, you may additionally require a loop recorder. Palpitations or even strokes may result from these irregular heartbeats.
If your fainting is thought to be caused by your heart rhythm, your doctor is more likely to recommend it. Older folks are more likely to experience this. Additionally, those who have other cardiac issues are more likely to have it.
Ending Note!
Loop recorder insertion is not painful since it’s a minimally invasive procedure. It’s crucial to talk to your doctor about any worries or fears you may have before the surgery. Consult our experts at Memorial Cardiology Associates. Call (713) 464-6006, (281) 398-4944, or (713) 861-2424 to schedule your appointment today.