• Usually you can return to work 24 - 48 01- 4103550(Clerical Coordinator)

hours after the procedure and you may • Call this number to confirm or if you
drive (unless you have been otherwise have to cancel your appointment.
advised by your Doctor). • Additionally if you have any questions
• An instruction sheet and letter for your GP, about your appointment please also
will be given to you before going home. call this number.
• Do not hesitate to ask questions if you are • Alternatively email to confirm/ cancel
unsure about anything. your appointment:
• Make sure you have all your belongings cathlab@stjames.ie
before you go!

OPENING TIMES 0830-1700

(MONDAY TO FRIDAY) !"
#$ "
%
• Cardiac Department
(01 4162792 / 01 4162793)

Patients and visitors should use the OR IF ATTENDING

underground car park. There is access into
the hospital by stairs or lift from here. There
is a pay station in the main concourse.
• Falls and Blackout Unit (01-4284105)
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CARRY THE PAT I E N T & C A R E R
ACTIVATOR WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES
E D U C AT I O N L E A F L E T

The Cath Lab Daycare Unit is located on the

ground floor. www.stjames.ie
• From the main entrance take the first right. www.irishheart.ie
• Half way down this long corridor turn left. www.patient.co.uk
• The Cath Lab Daycare Unit reception desk www.hrspatients.org
is on your right - please queue and check in www.arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk
here first.
 ( ") * %* $
+ ' • A Cardiac Technician will demonstrate how to
An Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) is a small use the reveal device
thin device that is inserted under the skin to record ACTIVATOR
the activity of your heart. ( +
• If you develop symptoms you
• You should Fast 4 HOURS before your
procedure. must activate the device by
• Please bring a dressing gown & slippers to placing the hand-held
change into, on your arrival to hospital. activator box over the area
The recorder monitors and records the electrical
activity in your heart in order to identify any irregu- where the reveal device was
!"# #"$ %&# '
larities with its rhythm, particularly during one of inserted under your skin (see picture)
• A small tube (cannula) is inserted into your vein
your episodes. The recorder can remain in place for . and press the activation button.
in your arm so that we can give you an antibiotic
up to 3 years. • If required a friend or family member can
pre-procedure and also for medication required
The device can be removed sooner depending on activate the device for you.
during your procedure.
when you experience symptoms, such as a fainting • The device will then save 8 minutes of your
• You will wear a hospital gown for the procedure.
spell and a diagnosis can be made. heart rhythm. This can only be done 3 times.
• The Doctor or Cardiology Nurse Specialist will
If you record a fourth event the first one will be
explain the procedure to you including the risks
( +' erased.
• The loop recorder is inserted beneath the skin and benefits, and you will then be asked to sign a
• The device should be activated for the follow-
usually in the upper left side of the chest. This consent form.
ing symptoms:
• If you have any concerns or worries, please do not
procedure takes place in the Cardiac Dizziness / weakness
Catheterisation Laboratory. hesitate to ask, as we would like you to be as
relaxed as possible. Palpitations / heart racing
• If you are on any Blood Thinners e.g. Warfarin/
Xarelto/ Pradaxa/ Apixaban you may need to Chest pain
stop taking it 3-5 days beforehand. (" ) * + *$ ) # %' A Blackout
• Contact your Cardiologist for specific • Local anaesthetic will be given to numb the skin,
which has been cleaned with antiseptic solution, ) ,"& # $"#% ,"&#
instructions.
• The phone number of your Cardiologists Secre- at the top of your left or right shoulder area. ),- "- )'
tary can be found on your appointment letter. • The Reveal device is placed under the pocket of Once you have recorded your symptoms for the
• Please go to your GP to have the following your skin—this generally takes 15-20 minutes.
• We advise you to leave the dressing in place for first time, the recorder needs to be checked to see
blood tests done a week prior to your
appointment: 7-10 days. what was captured. This is done by calling us and
- Coagulation screen, FBC, Urea & Electrolytes • Try not to disturb the dressing during this time.
arranging to come in to either the:
• Failure to have these done, may result in • You cannot shower while it is in place.
delay or cancellation of your test. • Most of the sutures used are internal and will • Cardiac Department (01 4162792 or
• You may bring the results with you or fax dissolve within 7-10 days. 01 4162793) or to the
them to the number on the back of this leaflet. • However you may need to see your GP after 10
days to have the end suture removed if visible. • Falls and Blackout Unit (01-4284105) if you
• Please have a shower the night before your
appointment and the morning of. are attending that service.