What Is an Insertable Cardiac Monitor?

Insertable Cardiac Monitor

An insertable cardiac monitor is a small implantable device that continuously monitors heart rhythms and records them automatically or with a hand-held patient activator. The device is implanted just beneath the skin in the upper chest area during a simple procedure.

The insertable cardiac monitor is programmed to continuously monitor your heart’s activity in the form of an electrocardiogram (ECG). When a fainting spell occurs, you or your family member should immediately place a small hand-held activator over the cardiac monitor and press a button.

The button triggers the device to record the heart’s signal before, during, and after the unexplained fainting spell. The insertable cardiac monitor can also be programmed to record abnormal heart rhythms automatically.

If a heart rhythm-related cause of fainting is found, your doctor may recommend therapy based on the exact cause. If your heart rhythm can be ruled out as a cause of fainting, your doctor can focus on other potential causes of your symptoms.

The insertable cardiac monitor is the one option for determining causes of infrequent, unexplained fainting. Other types of heart monitors are attached on the outside of your body for 2 to 14 days. The insertable cardiac monitor is designed for long-term use.

Because the heart monitor is placed under the skin, you do not have to use sticky recording pads on your skin or worry about connecting any wires. Your insertable cardiac monitor can be used up to 3 years, so it increases the chance of capturing your heart signal during infrequent fainting spells.

The insertable cardiac monitor may help your doctor rule in or rule out abnormal heart rhythms as the cause of your unexplained fainting.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Because the cardiac monitor is implanted just beneath the skin, there is a slight risk of infection, the device moving or coming through the skin, and/or sensitivity to the cardiac monitor material.

The risks of something serious happening are rare. Remember to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have or anything you don’t fully understand. Although many patients benefit from the use of this product, results may vary. Your doctor can help you decide if it’s right for you.

Next: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – Insertable Cardiac Monitors

• What is an insertable cardiac monitor?
• How does an insertable cardiac monitor work?
• If I get an insertable cardiac monitor, will I have to change my daily routine?
• How long will I have an insertable cardiac monitor?

What is an insertable cardiac monitor?

An insertable cardiac monitor is a small implantable device that continuously monitors heart rhythms and records them automatically or by using a hand-held patient activator. The device is implanted just beneath the skin in the upper chest area, during a simple procedure.

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How does an insertable cardiac monitor work?

Once the cardiac monitor is implanted in your upper chest area, it is programmed to continuously monitor your heart’s activity. When a fainting spell occurs, you or your family member should immediately place a small hand-held activator over the cardiac monitor and press a button.

This triggers the device to record the heart’s rhythms before, during, and after the unexplained fainting spell. If your fainting spell is heart-related, your doctor may recommend treatment based on the exact cause.

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If I get an insertable cardiac monitor, will I have to change my daily routine?

In general, people who get an insertable cardiac monitor can perform almost all their normal activities. You can swim, bathe, and exercise with your cardiac monitor without fear of harming it. Your doctor may ask you to limit some of your activities because of your unexplained fainting or until your incision heals.

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How long will I have an insertable cardiac monitor?

Your doctor will determine how long the cardiac monitor is used. Typically after one or more heart activity recordings are made, your doctor will determine if your symptoms are related to an abnormal heart rhythm. At that time, the insertable cardiac monitor can be removed.

Remember to talk with your doctor if you have any other questions about whether an insertable cardiac monitor is right for you.

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Next: Getting an Insertable Cardiac Monitor