Lateral Canthotomy

To expose learners to the indications, contraindications, and technique of lateral canthotomy.

  • Drs. Stephen Watson, Jared Baylis, Lee Graham    
  • None   
  • Nov. 9, 2025, 5:09 p.m.   

  • Emergency Medicine, Trauma   
  • Medical Students, Residents, Physicians   
  • Other   

  • 4   
  • 30 Min   
  • Rural Hospital   
Lateral Canthotomy

Brief Description of Case:

A 25 y/o M pitching in a Sunday baseball game is hit in the face by a line drive. He is brought to the ED by his friends complaining of decreased visual acuity to his right eye accompanied by significant right peri-orbital swelling. At triage his VA is OD 20/100 OS 20/25 but at the time of assessment VA OD is limited to detection of light and his pupil is fixed and dilated, extra-ocular movements are intact. The team should recognize the need for lateral canthotomy based on the history and physical exam findings (including IOP) and mobilize the appropriate resources for bed-side lateral canthotomy as well as the need for emergent ophthalmology consult.   

 
Goals and Learning Objectives
 
Technical/Equipment Recommendations
 
Supporting Roles and Scripts
 
Moulage and Scenario Set-Up
 
Printable Supporting Documents (Will also be accessible at relevant Scenario Stage)

Note: While prepping for your simulation, don't forget to prep for the debrief. Become comfortable with your chosen framework, review your objectives. For additional debriefing resources, see our Resources page.

Original Author: Drs. Stephen Watson, Jared Baylis, Lee Graham - The University of British Columbia
Date: 25/2/21
Originally published on: 25/2/21