Cardiac Loop Recorder Insertion

• Write down the correct date, time and location of your procedure.
• Arrange a ride home. Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your surgery or procedure. Do not drive yourself home.
• Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop using aspirin or any other prescribed or over-the-counter medicines before your procedure or surgery.
• Bring your medicine bottles or a list of your medicines when you see your healthcare provider. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Tell your provider if you use any herbs, food supplements or over-the-counter medicine.

Ask your healthcare providers about directions for eating and drinking.

• Ask your healthcare provider before taking any medicine on the day of your procedure. These medicines include insulin, diabetes medicines, high blood pressure medicines or heart medications. Bring a list of all the medicines you take or your pill bottles with you to the hospital.
• You or a close family member will be asked to sign a legal document called a consent form. It gives healthcare providers permission to do the procedure or surgery. It also explains the problems that may happen, and your choices. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign this form.
• Healthcare providers may insert an intravenous tube (IV) into your vein. A vein in the arm is usually chosen. Through the IV tube, you may be given liquids and medicine.

• You will be given a mild sedative, but you will be awake during the procedure. Local anesthesia will be used to numb your skin. Children may also receive general anesthesia, so they sleep through the procedure.
• A one-to-two-centimeter incision will be made on the left side of your chest, or under your arm.
• The loop recorder device will be implanted just under the skin. You will see a small lump where the recorder is placed. Your incision will be closed with stitches and covered with a bandage.

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully alert. Your healthcare providers will monitor you for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you will be allowed to go home.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider If:

• You cannot make it to your procedure, or you will be late.
• You have a fever.
• You get a cold or the flu.
• You have questions or concerns about your procedure.

Seek Immediate Care If:

• You feel weak, dizzy or faint.
• You lose consciousness.

As with any kind of surgery, there are small risks associated with the procedure. These include infection, bleeding and discomfort during the procedure. Minimal bruising post implant may be noted but will subside within a week.

After implantation of a loop recorder, you will be able to monitor your heart rate and rhythm. With this information, your physician will assist in developing a diagnosis and plan of care.