NEED INFORMATION! Implantable Loop Recorder

Has anyone had one of these implanted before?? My cardiologist discussed putting one in. I am personally all for it if it can potentially help figure out what is going on. It has been a long, very frustrating road. He seemed a bit reluctant because of scarring. At this point, I dont even care if it will help with a diagnosis. Can anyone offer me information on the scarring and what to expect from the procedure itself when it is inserted? Do they just use local? Does it hurt? Is it like a surgery? Please...any information will help. Thanks!

[itdood]

I had one offered to me, decided against it.  Whatever rhythm issues I've had, I could catch them on an event monitor within 14-30 days.  If the event occurs less frequent than that, I wouldn't be concerned enough to have a device surgically implanted.  Honestly I don't get the rationale, but it may fit some needs if the event is that troubling and that elusive.

[amiey2217]

there are a number of reasons that traditional techniques for diagnosing arrhythmias are not an option for me. the palpitations happen very often and are very much affecting my life so i am really ready to do anything if it can help me get back on track. i am just interested in hearing some stories from others who have had it done. PLEASE!

[amym2002]

I had a reveal loop recorder implanted in September a month after an EP study that failed to reproduce my arrythmeia for long enough to map it.  About two weeks after the EP study I went to the Cardio for follow up and he and my EP came in to talk to me about long term monitoring.  From the options that were available, I agreed that the implant was the best for my diagnosis and treatment.  The implant took about 1.5 hours total in the EP lab at the hospital.  It is a surgical procedure, but not as bad as some could be.  I had mine implanted in/under my left breast as I requested my EP to hide it.  The procedure is much easier than the EP study.  They give you IV antibiotics before, during and after and kept me for about 5 hours afterwards for observation.  I had a pain killer perscription that we got filled on the way home, by the next morning I called in for something stronger.  I only took pain meds for about 4.5 days, and mostly because I have a large chest and my breast put pressure on the implant and pushed it into nerves.  It is uncomfortable, and took about 6 weeks to heal.  It's only been within the past week or two that I don't puke if I accidentally touch it, but that's just me. Now, I don't feel it really at all on a daily basis and it's pretty much forgotten.  Positive: get to go through the short medical line at the airport.
Seriously though, I had pretty much forgotten about it after 2 months.  You are given an activator for when you actively experience symptoms. This records 6 minutes around the time that you activate it, you hold it over your implant and push a button until it beeps and the light turns green.  On mine, you can record 3 of these "long" recordings before it's full, and it automatically records up to 27 shorter readings.  It's called a loop recorder because it only keeps the 27 most recent recordings before looping and recording over them, or if you press the long record button a fourth time it records over the first reading.  For a while I was almost parinoid about having the activator with me at all times...so of course I never needed it. Once I had calmed down from having the implant I just left the activator in my purse.  One night, I was just sitting on my bed doing a little work on my computer and felt like I had just been hit by a bus and knocked out.  When I realized what had happened I went and got the activator and used it. It was pretty simple.  The next day I called the cardio office to get it read and got an appointment in a couple of hours.  I went in and they downloaded the info.  The device tech reviewed the info and then went and got my EP out of lunch.  He came in and reviewed the print outs and showed me what happened.  We decided to go forward with another EP study and ablation based on the information.  If I had not had the implant, this episode would not have been recorded and I would not have had the ablation when I did.  If that had been the case, I would not have been on the table when I naturally went into unprovoked sustained ventricular tachycardia (the one that kills you) with a heart rate of over 350. VT had never come up on any of the short term monitors. It was the same arythmeia that caused all of my major symptoms (fainting, shortness of breath) I instantly felt just like I did when I was having issues prior to all the testing.  It took quite a while for them to stop it and then ablate the area, it was not an area that they were even planning on looking at during the EP study.  As for the implant, I still have it, and will probably keep it in for at least another year, maybe a little longer, just to be on the safe side.  I am comforted that it is continually recording information and if I have any symptoms they will be recorded and I don't have to start all over with short term monitors and tests.  The implant was probably the easiest thing that I've gone through related to my heart, and I would do it again. My EP is excellent and always seems to have my back.  When I went to the hospital for the surgery, everyone kept telling me where it was going to be and saying it was going in under my clavicle. I kept saying, "no" because I had discussed it with my EP. He came and saw me in pre-op just to answer any last minute questions and the first thing he said was "we're going to hide it under your breast and the scar is going to be about 4 mm"...I didn't even have to ask.  He is excellent.  I had a GP look at the incision a few weeks later before I left the country for a trip and she said that if she ever needed anything like that done she was going to him because that was the best incision repair that she'd ever seen.  I have good follow up with my EP and I can call and ask questions whenever.  Also, after the first reading, I was sent a portable home reader device, so if I record any symptoms I can call them in over the phone if I cannot get to the device clinic.  I am very thankful that this option was given to me and that I was brave enough to accept it.

[Smiley2000]

Hi there,

I had a cardiac loop implant (Medtronic Reveal) while they had me open for heart-surgery (Nov 2009) and I regret every day having the implant.  It is 4 months later and it still hurts when I change gear, I can not sleep on my tummy and if someone gives me a hug (presses against my chest) then it hurts my sternum.

I am skinny and even though the device is implanted under my breast tissue, I can still feel it and if I am lying on my back, I can actually move it around!!!

What type of arrthythmia do you have?  I had episodes of syncope and unexplained palpitations (I am almost 2 years post-op after having my mitralvale repaired).  I am at the point that I just want the thing out!  I am not going to wait 3 years, not even another 3 months.  I have not had a syncope episode in the past year and that is enough proof to me that it was just a single incident.

The only time that I would recommend the "reveal" implant to anyone is if your symptoms is bad and if you had countless 24hr Holters done and no success.

[amym2002]

Even though mine is in my breast you can still feel it, it's actually visable a little if you look under my breast. It probably moves a bit, but it freaks me out so I don't touch it.  (I'm definately not skinny and have double D's) It is uncomfortable to sleep on it, but I kind of got over that after a few months, sometimes I 'forget' and am reminded quite rudely in my sleep, and I "side hug" so that no one is pressing on that side of my chest.  I just found ways of compensating, not that it was easy or anything, but after about 4 months I just kind of decided to figure out how to live with it.  (Like I went for a massage and used a towel to reduce pressure on my chest)  I don't think mine will be in for a full 3 years either (tomorrow would be a good day to get it out), but it will be in to at least make it a year without passing out or other major symptoms.  I personally never had a 24 hour holter, and with my symptoms they would be a crap shoot unless I could take it home with me and only put it on when I started to have them.  I had an event monitor that did capture arrythmeia prior to my first EP study.
I do think that it is a big decision to get a loop recorder implanted.  I don't think that any Dr. or pamphlet/paper can tell you how it's going to feel. I can tell you that I offered my EP a ruler afterwards b/c my incision/scar is definately longer than what I had been told, and I was instantly grateful that I had it hidden as it's much easier to deal with.  I personally have not been able to wear a regular bra since the implant.  I have to wear a strapless bra otherwise the bottom band puts pressure on the implant and presses it into nerves and it is painful. Turns out I actually like the strapless bra, so that's at least a positive.
All in all I don't think that they are offered or implanted for non serious or potentially serious reasons, and even though my last surgery (that was initiated by the recordings from this little beauty) sucked more than I care to ever remember I am grateful that I have the implant, even though I hate it a lot of the time.

[janarchy]

I can't say how useful this is, having had a loop recorder fitted about four weeks ago, to determine why i'm having drop attacks. It still hurts because,like yourself, it presses on nerves, and most of my bras are out, other than a soft front fastening one. The scab has yet to go (sorry folks) and I had no idea the implant would feel quite so obvious. I'm a bit concerned because now there's a rash of spots directly over it, in line with the implant, but I'm still in the period when you're supposed to just dab it , when cleaning (took a shower and kept it dry) , and not use any ointments. Feel a bit off colour but no temperature , although glands in neck are slightly up, indicating a possible infection.  I had to ask to get put on antibiotics after leaving british hospital, infection developed about a day later and quite nasty. but more benefits than disadantages , I think, and if it helps ID why I'm keeling over , a potential lifesaver. meantime, thank you so much, both of you, for all the guidance above. it really helps! x

[gg0407]

I just read your comments and I an having the same problems with the loop. i have had mine for 5 weeks and I am sooo ready for it to come out. Very painful if I do anything especially turning over in the bed at night. If I do it takes hours to stop hurting. The dr is telling me it doesnt move and its because I am a small person. Not sure how much longer I can take it...I just wanted to know if anyone else was having the same problem. Hope you are doing better by now..

[gg0407]

I just read your comments and I an having the same problems with the loop. i have had mine for 5 weeks and I am sooo ready for it to come out. Very painful if I do anything especially turning over in the bed at night. If I do it takes hours to stop hurting. The dr is telling me it doesnt move and its because I am a small person. Not sure how much longer I can take it...I just wanted to know if anyone else was having the same problem. Hope you are doing better by now..

[gg0407]

I had one 5 weeks ago and its KILLING me especially at night when i turn over....I am so ready for it to come out...not sure if i can deal with this any longer....gotts be a better way to find the problem.

[Boomerette]

I cannot tell all of you how helpful this thread is.  My loop recorder is only 8 days in and I HATE it!  Plus, I wasn't given a post-implant check up appointment, wasn't given the portable 'recorder' or the card you're supposed to use when going through security.

After a 48-hr Holter showed daily 20% arhythmia and serious bradycardia (reall slow heartbeats during sleep) I was given two options - the loop or a pacemaker - for my atrial tachycardia. So I chose what seemed logical -a more definitive diagnosis. Now it hurts (and yes, it moves around) walking down steps, raising my left arm, sleeping (I have to sleep in a soft bra... I am a DDD... to keep the thing from being mashed and just regular daily activity.

Has anyone ever had this device give a more definitive diagnosis?????

[Chattylac]

Hi Boomerette,

I had mine implanted on Feb 29th.  Still dealing with the soreness at night as ILR was inserted at top of breast. However it seems to be getting a bit better which each passing day. What is really bothersome is every time I bend down. The pressure in my chest is awful.

As for the post the postop appt, I had to call and make it but I was really surprised  how fast I was in and out. I did not even see my EP.  I did get a temp medical card day of surgery and the permanent one arrived today from Medtronics.

Good luck to all,

[mrmcmurry556]

I had a loop recorder installed a few days ago. It was a real quick simple procedure, I had decided to do it without being sedated. They gave me shots of lidocaine in the chest and started cutting. After the procedure I was sent home within 15 mins since I did it without being sedated and now its two days later and still no pain can be felt. I did not get a script for pain killers and have not had to take tylenol or anything else for the pain.

[Obeaner]

My doctor suggested yesterday I get the Reveal monitor implanted.  I am debating about getting it, as I wanted to thoroughly research it first.  I know the procedure is outpatient, but I was curious if you had to take any time off work the following days for recovery or not.  Any help would be appreciated.