Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are used for monitoring heart rhythms in patients with unexplained fainting (syncope), and this study investigated how long their batteries actually last in real-world settings.
The study followed 309 patients over several years, finding that ILRs had a median battery life of 42 months, with nearly all (99.5%) reaching or exceeding the expected lifespan.
It also revealed that the diagnostic yield for identifying arrhythmias was relatively low at 27%, although diagnostic rates improved over time, highlighting the importance of prolonged monitoring for better diagnosis.