Insertion of an implantable loop recorder is a very common procedure. This is performed under local anaesthetic with a sedative medication to make you feel comfortable. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and is performed in the cardiac catheter laboratory. This is a special room that has a patient table, ECG monitors and other equipment. The staff in the lab will be dressed in hospital theatre clothes and during the procedure will be wearing hats and masks. A nurse or doctor will insert an intravenous line usually into the back of your hand. This is a reliable way to give you medications during the study without further injections. You will also have a blood pressure cuff attached to your arm that will automatically inflate at various times throughout the procedure.
You will also receive antibiotics prior to the procedure. You should ensure that you inform the Doctor if you have any allergies.
The implantable loop recorder is inserted lateral to the breast bone. The area is prepared with a special sterile solution that may feel cold. A large sterile sheet that will partly cover your face will cover you. You will be able to look out from under the sheet to the side and a nurse will be present at all times. You will be given oxygen to breathe by a small tube that is positioned under your nostrils.
At the start of the procedure, the doctor will inject local anaesthetic into the area where the device is to be inserted. This will sting momentarily, but the area will then be numb. If you experience pain or discomfort you should tell the nurse or doctor.
