Implantable diagnostic monitoring devices for evaluation of syncope, and tachy- and brady-arrhythmias

Abstract

Symptoms arising from cardiac arrhythmias are often transient. Consequently, defining the responsible rhythm disturbance remains a challenge. However, absent a confident diagnosis of the arrhythmic basis for the symptoms, it is not possible to develop an effective treatment strategy. The implantable loop recorder (ILR) has become a valuable element in the evaluation of patients with suspected intermittent arrhythmia related symptoms. In this regard, clinical studies have not only demonstrated its superior effectiveness compared to other monitoring modalities, but even suggest that it may be cost-effective for the ILR to be used at an earlier stage of the evaluation strategy.