Cardiology Rhythm Management
Implantable cardiac monitors, also known as implantable loop recorders, are used for the long-term heart rhythm monitoring of unexplained blackouts and for the detection of heart rhythm abnormalities.
A small insertable monitor is placed just under the skin and either a patient bedside unit or a mobile phone App that collects heart rhythm information from the implantable cardiac monitor and sends it to your specialist team.
- Implantable cardiac monitors are not visible in most patients.
- The patient bedside monitors use a cellular signal and a power outlet.
- A mobile phone App may be available to use with the type of implantable cardiac monitor implanted.
- You can travel and take the patient’s bedside monitor with you if you are away from home for more than 2 weeks.
- The implantable cardiac monitor is safe for use in an MRI setting.
- The implantable cardiac monitor battery typically lasts for 3 to 5 years.
- The device can be explanted by the specialist nurse once the implantable cardiac monitor battery depletes, or a diagnosis is made.
Once your implantable cardiac monitor is inserted, all you need to do is leave the patient bedside monitor plugged in (if provided), powered on, and in a location that receives an adequate cellular signal. Alternatively, if a mobile phone App is being used, then this just needs to remain open in the background.
Before your procedure
There is usually no need to stop any medications prior to the procedure and you can eat and drink as normal.
Attending the hospital
Depending on your location you will be offered the choice of either attending the cardiology department at the James Cook University Hospital or the cardiology outpatients department at the Friarage Hospital to have the implantable cardiac monitor inserted. You should expect to be in hospital for approximately 1 hour.
You will be reviewed by a Specialist Nurse or Cardiac Physiologist who will review your medical history, the procedure will be explained and informed consent will be obtained. The actual procedure will take approximately 15 minutes.
The procedure
The procedure room will have a bed for you to lie on. There will be a Specialist Nurse or Cardiac Physiologist and a Health Care Assistant present. Prior to the procedure, your observations, including blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturations and temperature will be recorded.
The Specialist Nurse or Cardiac Physiologist will mark the skin with a procedure pen. Once you lie down, the skin will be cleaned, and you will be covered with a sterile drape.
Local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the skin, then a small incision will be made using a small specialist incision blade. The implantable cardiac monitor will be inserted underneath the skin, on the left side of your chest parallel with your breastbone. The wound will be closed with surgical glue and a dressing applied.
After your procedure
You will have further observations recorded. The Health Care Assistant will then explain and demonstrate the home monitoring equipment or mobile phone App to you, and how to correlate your symptoms. Once you are happy with how to use the equipment and mobile phone App, you will be provided with a discharge letter and be able to leave.
Your follow-up
Depending on the type of implantable cardiac monitor device and whether you have either had a home remote monitor provided, or are linked through your mobile phone App, specific guidance on your follow-up will be advised. A routine 3 month telephone follow-up will be organised after your procedure and then approximately every 6 months.
Depending on the implantable cardiac monitor device, we may also ask you to send a manual transmission prior to each telephone appointment or prior to undergoing a MRI scan.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact the team on:
Telephone 01642 282806, Monday to Friday, 8am until 5pm
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]