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August 12, 2025

Implantable Loop Recorders (ILRs) in the Investigation of Syncope, Cryptogenic Stroke, TIA, and Transient Global Amnesia

24 minutes

How an ILR Works

An ILR is a matchstick-sized device implanted under the skin of the chest, usually under local anaesthetic in a brief outpatient procedure. Once in place, it continuously monitors the heart’s electrical activity, storing recordings of any abnormal events it detects automatically or when triggered by the patient using a handheld activator.

Modern ILRs have:

Automatic arrhythmia detection algorithms

Wireless home monitoring (transmitting daily summaries to the cardiology team)

Battery life of 2–4 years

MRI-compatibility in most cases

When to Consider an ILR

An ILR may be recommended if you:

Have unexplained syncope with inconclusive standard tests

Have had a cryptogenic stroke, TIA, or TGA, where AF is suspected but not proven

Have infrequent but concerning palpitations that evade short-term monitoring

Have suspected intermittent AV block or sinus pauses

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