An ILR is a sealed metal and plastic device, which contains a battery and electronic circuits. ILR is offered to patients who have symptoms / possible symptoms that could be result of an arrhythmia.
The ILR is implanted under the skin on the chest. It records an ECG which allows it to monitor the heart rate and rhythm. It cannot measure blood pressure or heart function. The device acts as a monitor so cannot intervene on any symptoms.
The implanted device works by constantly recording and deleting on a loop. It will only store information in one of 2 ways.
Symptom Activator | Automatic storage |
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By using your symptom activator the device will record a 7.5-minute period. This is 6.5 minutes prior to pressing the button, and 1 minute after. This allows for you to recover from your symptoms, find the activator and use the activator. |
The device is looking for arrhythmias on its own. If it senses a fast rhythm, slow rhythm, or abnormal rhythm, the device will make a recording. |
We can monitor your heart rhythm from your ILR either via a home communicator, or the MyCareLink Heart mobile app. At implant you will be set up with one of these options based on your preference.
At implant, you’ll be provided with a QR code to scan to direct you to the app, or search “MyCareLink Heart” in your App store. Your ILR communicates to your app via Bluetooth, and therefore it is important to keep Bluetooth enabled at all times and the app open in the background (this will have a minimal effect on your phones battery).
Ensure your smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service to send information to the clinic.
Using the App select “Record New Symptoms” and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the transmission.