Lateral Canthotomy Kit List

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Equipment required for emergency lateral canthotomy to relieve orbital compartment syndrome and preserve vision.

Ophthalmic • Emergency • Advanced

Before Starting

  • Diagnosis of orbital compartment syndrome established
  • Immediate need for procedure confirmed
  • Monitoring applied

PPE

  • Gloves, sterile, 8.5 (or 8/9)
  • Gown
  • Mask, surgical
  • Eye protection

Core Equipment

  • Procedure trolley
  • Adequate operative lighting

Procedure-Specific Equipment

  • Dressing pack
  • Syringe, 5mL
  • Needle for local anaesthetic (25G)
  • Needle for drawing up
  • Artery forceps
  • Scissors, sterile
  • Gauze, 10cm x 10cm (x5-10)

Drugs

  • Chlorhexidine 2%, or povidone-iodine
  • Lidocaine 1% or 2%, with adrenaline

Post-Procedure

  • Decompression achieved / confirmed
  • Visual acuity re-assessed
  • Eye protected
  • Urgent ophthalmology referral
  • Documentation