Monmouth introduces insertable loop recorder

Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, has introduced a new cardiac monitoring device for patients seeking medical care for unexplained fainting spells. The insertable loop recorder is the world’s first monitor to be worn under the skin.

Thoracic surgeon Thomas Heleotis recently implanted the device in the chest of an 81-year-old Eatontown resident in the hopes of determining the cause of the patient’s repeated episodes of fainting, or syncope. The patient was referred by John Checton, chief of cardiology at Monmouth.

The loop recorder is about the size of a pack of gum and offers an alternative solution when testing for unexplained symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, and near-fainting and seizure-like episodes, has been inconclusive.

"Unless you capture the heart rate during the fainting episode, you’re not going to know if the symptom is related to a slow heart rate," explained Heleotis.

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is considered the "gold standard" in diagnosing cardiac problems; however, external-chest monitors may not monitor the heart long enough to capture a diagnostic EKG.

The insertable monitor continuously monitors the heart’s electrical activity and records it in a "loop." Heleotis’ patient will then be able to record the heart rhythm during the next fainting spell, and preserve the data for physician interpretation.

For more information on the loop recorder, call Monmouth Medical Center at (732) 870-5550.