The Insertable Loop Recorder (ILR) System allows your heart's electrical activity (ECG) to be continuously monitored away from your doctor's office. The system consists of an ILR, a hand-held Activator, and a computer-type Programmer.
Insertable Loop Recorder
The ILR is a small medical device (smaller than a pack of gum) which is placed under the skin in the upper chest through a small incision. This is done during a simple, outpatient procedure, which usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Local anesthesia is used to numb the incision site. You can compare it to the numbing of your gums in your dentist's office.
After the ILR is implanted, it continuously monitors your heart's electrical activity as an ECG, 24 hours a day, for up to 14 months. When you experience symptoms, or soon after a fainting spell, you should signal the ILR with the Activator (see below). Then the ILR stores into its memory the electrical information that occurred before, during and after the symptoms. The ILR can also store abnormal heart rhythms automatically if programmed to do so.
Activator
The Activator is a small, handheld device about the size of a pager. When you or someone else places the Activator over the implanted ILR and presses the white button, the ILR stores an ECG for later study by your doctor. The ILR can record your ECG even if the Activator is used up to 6 to 40 minutes after the symptoms have passed. (The amount of time depends on how the ILR is programmed.) The ILR may be programmed to automatically record your ECG, but automatic recording is not a substitute for using the Activator.
It is very important to keep your Activator with you at all times so you are able to capture the information about your heart's rhythm during your symptoms. You will receive a carrying case for your Activator and you must wear it around your neck or clip it to your clothes for easy access. Do not keep the Activator in a purse, desk drawer, or briefcase. Also, your friends and family can be of help if they know how to use the Activator, because they can assist you during your symptoms.
Programmer
Your doctor uses the computer-programmer to communicate with the implanted ILR and can choose the number and the duration of the ECG recordings stored for review.
Your doctor, nurse, or technician will program your ILR to store one or three ECG recordings of your transient symptoms. By using the Activator, you capture the information and save it to ILR memory. The stored ECG recordings are saved until the information is retrieved by your doctor or nurse. They analyze and document the information before erasing it. Once you have activated the ILR and stored the programmed number of ECG recordings, your ILR cannot store another one until your doctor clears the memory.
Call your doctor if you have recorded an event with your Activator. Your ILR will be programmed based on your past symptoms and present situation.
How to Use your Activator. Never use your Activator or place it over the ILR unless you experience symptoms.
To record your ECG during or after symptoms:
1. Place your Activator over your implanted ILR, either on your skin or over your clothing.
2. Press the Activator's white button once.
3. Immediately remove the Activator and observe the flashing light:
· A flashing green light above the checkmark symbol means the Activator successfully signalled the ILR. You do not need to press the white button again.
· A flashing yellow light above the stop symbol means the ILR did not receive the signal from the Activator and an ECG is not being stored.
4. Reposition your Activator over your implanted ILR, and press the white button again if you see a flashing yellow light. (Repeat until you see a flashing green light.)
5. After you have used your Activator to store an ECG, contact your doctor or nurse and follow their instructions.
Important Things to Remember About Your Activator.
· Always keep your Activator with you.
· Tell the important people in your life about your ILR and how to use the Activator.
· Protect the white activation button, and make sure it is not pressed unless you need to store an ECG.
· Guard against accidental use of the Activator by keeping it in its carrying case. Carry it around your neck or clipped to your clothing rather than in a purse or briefcase.
· Do not drop or handle your Activator in any way that might damage it. If you drop your Activator, test it by pressing the white button while holding it at arm's length from your implanted ILR. If the yellow light flashes, your activator is functioning.
· Do not immerse your Activator in liquid. It is water-resistant but not waterproof.
· Do not expose your Activator to temperatures below 48 degrees F (9 degrees C) for extended periods of time. In cold climates, carry your Activator in an inside pocket to protect it from the cold.
The ILR battery is designed to last up to 14 months and through hundreds of uses. However, if you do not see a light flashing, ask your doctor about exchanging the Activator.
