Extended ECG monitoring
Extended ECG monitoring is an event monitor, also known as loop recorder, designed to record intermittent episodes during long periods (weeks to years) and thus useful for patients with less frequent symptoms. Two kinds of device are available:
- external loop recorders (ELRs): event recorders that can monitor the ECG for a maximum of 21 days and can be activated by the patient when he or she experiences symptoms
- implantable loop recorders (ILRs): small devices that are implanted in a small subcutaneous pocket and that can monitor for a long period (2 to 3 years)
Extended ECG monitoring can document a correlation between symptoms and arrhythmia, as well as excluding a cause-effect role of heart rhythm disturbances in the genesis of symptoms.
Extended ECG monitoring has no contraindications and no risks.
In case of implantable loop recorder, please let us know if you have an active infection or an history of bleeding diathesis because it may preclude the implantation for a certain period.
IMPLANTABLE LOOP RECORDERS:
- do not eat anything before the previous midnight
- do not drink for three hours before your appointment
- please bring all your medications or a list of them with doses to your appointment
- please speak to your physician prior to this exam to receive special instructions you may need regarding your medications
EXTERNAL LOOP RECORDERS:
The execution of the external loop recorders does not include preparation rules.
Please bring all your medications or a list of them with doses to your appointment.
IMPLANTABLE LOOP RECORDERS:
- You may be given medicine to help you relax.
- A local anesthetic will be put on your skin to numb it.
- The device will be injected through a small incision in your skin.
EXTERNAL LOOP RECORDERS:
- A specially trained technician first attaches the electrodes to your chest. Please if you have a hairy chest they might need to shave some hair off.
- Once the electrodes are in place, the technician helps you put the Holter monitor on and explains how to take care of it.
- The technician will show you how to notify symptoms during the test through the "event button".
IMPLANTABLE LOOP RECORDERS:
These devices are supposed to be safe for use during a medical imaging procedure called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but let your doctor know about your implant before you schedule such a test.
It's also possible an implantable loop recorder might set off metal detectors, for example, at an airport. We can provide you with a device identification card to carry with you for such situations.
EXTERNAL LOOP RECORDERS:
- Do not get the monitor wet, or expose it to excessive humidity
- Be careful not to hit the device.
- Do not remove the equipment from your body under any circumstances.
- Avoid using radio transmitters of electronic waves such as microwaves.
- Do not have any X-Ray, MRI or CAT scan tests done while wearing the Holter monitor.
- Do not bring the equipment near to metal detectors.
- Do not remove the carrying case or the battery from the monitor.