An implantable loop recorder is a small device that is implanted under the skin of the chest wall using local anaesthetic.  These devices continuously monitor the heart's rhythm for up to 3 years and are extremely useful when investigating the causes of syncope or infrequent and disabling arrhythmias.

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The current generation of Medtronic devices are known as the Medtronic Reveal Linq. These are the world's smallest loop recorder and leaves only a 1cm scar.  The device wirelessly uploads any problems allowing rapid detection of arrhythmia and reducing the time to treatment.  Dr Beadle has published a case report detailing the early detection of a dangerous heart rhythm using one of these devices.

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These devices are set to revolutionise the detection of common arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.