Implantable loop recorder (Reveal LINQ)

This leaflet is for patients who have had an implantable loop recorder implanted. The type used at Addenbrooke’s is called a 'Reveal LINQ'. This leaflet explains how to use the equipment provided to you along with your implant.

Your Reveal LINQ

Your implanted Reveal LINQ is a heart rhythm monitoring device that is programmed to detect abnormally fast or slow heart rhythms. If these abnormal rhythms are detected, a recording will be made on the device and will be automatically sent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital via your home monitor.

Your home monitor

Place your home monitor within two metres of your bed. It will communicate with your implanted Reveal LINQ every night and send an automatic download to Addenbrooke’s if any fast or slow heart rhythms have been recorded. It is possible your monitor may become disconnected. If this happens you will receive a letter in the post asking you to perform a manual download, and telling you how to do this.

Setting up your monitor

Your patient assist device

Use your patient assist device when you experience the symptoms for which you have had the Reveal LINQ implanted. To do this, follow the instructions on the ‘quick reference card’.

1. Record symptom button: press this button to record ECG when symptomatic
2. Searching light: this flashes blue to indicate that you should hold the device over the Reveal LINQ ICM
3. Success light: this illuminates green when the symptom has been successfully marked
4. Connection slot: enables attachment to an item such as a key chain or lanyard

The patient assist acts much like a remote control. After pressing the button, a recording of your heart rhythm will be stored in the implanted device.

Try to activate the patient assist within five minutes of symptom onset (unusual heart beat etc) as the recording of your heart rhythm will be captured from about five minutes before activation of the device.

Whenever you use your patient assist to record a symptomatic episode, you must also call ward K2 at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on 01223 256233 From Monday to Friday between 09:00 (9am) and 17:00 (5pm); a member of staff will ask you some questions about the symptoms you experienced. You can also email Addenbrooke's spacing.

Four separate recordings can be stored on the implanted device at any one time. Subsequent recordings will overwrite the first recording that has been made. During the night, any symptomatic episodes that have been recorded by you will be sent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Please be aware that staff are available to review your transmitted information during the normal working hours listed above. If you are experiencing symptoms which need immediate medical attention, please contact your GP or out-of-hours service.

Need help?

A full instruction booklet is provided with your home monitor; if you need a copy or are having problems setting up, please contact Ward K2 – please be prepared to tell us your:

• name
• date of birth
• hospital number
• symptoms:
  • when did the symptoms occur?
  • what were the symptoms? (e.g. dizziness, palpitations, blackout)
  • what were you doing at the time?
  • how long did the symptoms last?

If your symptoms occur frequently, note them in a table before contacting us.

References / sources of evidence

• For more information on the set-up and use of your home monitor and patient assist device visit Reveal LINQ™ System At Home Setup (opens in a new tab)
• Learn more about your Reveal LINQ at MyCareLink (opens in a new tab)
• For any technical issues with the home monitor, contact Medtronic on 0330 1232112