News

Contact: Amy Blaser

For Immediate Release

(COLUMBUS, Neb.) – Doctors at Columbus Community Hospital now have a high-tech new tool that can
help them diagnose irregular heart rhythms that may not show up during standard testing.

The tool, called a cardiac loop recorder, is a small, implantable device that continuously records a
patient’s heart rhythm. It’s about the size of a USB memory stick and is placed just under the skin on the
left side of the chest. The device can help detect abnormal heart activity over an extended period —
especially in cases where symptoms such as fainting, seizures, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat only
happen every once in a while, and without a clear cause.

“In many cases, traditional tests only capture a brief window of heart activity,” said Dr. Nikunjkumar
Patel, a cardiac catheterization lab doctor at Columbus Cardiology Clinic. “Loop recorders allow us to
gather long-term data and gain insights that are critical for diagnosing conditions like atrial fibrillation or
unexplained fainting.”

Loop recorders continuously monitor the heart’s electrical signals. If a patient experiences symptoms,
the device can capture an electrocardiogram (EKG) — a recording of the heart’s rhythm — at that
moment and store it for later review. These recordings help doctors determine if the symptoms are
related to a heart rhythm issue.

Patients typically receive local anesthesia, which means they’re awake but not in pain during the
insertion procedure. The doctor makes a small incision and places the loop recorder just under the skin.
After a brief recovery period, patients can go home the same day. The device can remain in place for up
to three years, or until enough data has been collected to make a diagnosis. If the device needs to be
removed or replaced, the process is simple and minimally invasive.

“This device is ideal for those patients who have intermittent or hard-to-capture cardiac issues, or
unexplained symptoms that could be related to rhythm disturbances,” said Sarah Huettner, APRN, an
advanced practice registered nurse who works in the cath lab. “It is also indicated for those who have
unexplained syncope or cryptogenic stroke.”

After the procedure, hospital staff members monitor patients in a recovery room for a short time. The
patients receive specific care instructions, including how to protect and clean the incision site and what
activities they should avoid while healing.

Patients receive a home monitor that automatically sends heart rhythm data to the hospital’s clinic. This
allows the care team to track symptoms and changes remotely. However, patients should still come to
urgent care if they experience serious symptoms, as remote monitoring is not a substitute for
emergency medical attention.

For more information about loop recorders or to speak with a provider, visit columbushosp.org or call
402-564-7118.