Program details

Advanced pathways in regional anesthesia will cover the entire spectrum, from classic peripheral blocks to the latest fascial plane and nerve block techniques used as primary anesthetic strategies, along with motor-preservation variants optimized for early mobilization and ERAS protocols in orthopedic, oncological, and minimally invasive surgery. Instructors will address continuous catheters, elastomeric technologies versus infusion pumps, home follow-up models, and specific considerations for pediatrics, obstetrics, and frail patients or those with multiple comorbidities.

Pain therapy sessions will be organized around acute postoperative pain, persistent postoperative pain, cancer pain, neuropathic and nociplastic pain, headaches and facial pain, and musculoskeletal and interventional pain. Rapidly evolving non-opioid strategies include novel targeted molecules such as sodium channel and NGF pathway modulators, ketamine and lidocaine infusions, cannabinoids when appropriate, neuromodulation through spinal cord stimulation, DRG, PNS and non-invasive brain stimulation, and integrative and behavioral interventions.

A robust education and technology component will showcase AI-powered ultrasound platforms with automated nerve and fascial plane recognition, clinical decision support for block selection and dosage, semi-autonomous and robot-assisted needle guides, and tele-monitoring models for remote and rural practice. Simulation and competency-based training will include high-fidelity mannequins, task trainers, serious games, VR/AR procedural training and structured assessment tools.

The cross-disciplinary symposia will connect basic and translational pain science—including ion channels, neuroimmune interactions, central sensitization and brain network plasticity—with big data registries, real-world evidence and patient-reported outcomes, emphasizing safety, sex- and gender-based differences, equity and indicators of value-based care.

A dedicated Scientific Communications track will highlight innovative work through peer-reviewed abstracts, moderated poster sessions and short video presentations. The top submissions will compete in finals culminating in awards for Best Poster and Best Video Presentation during a plenary recognition session celebrating excellence in research, clinical translation and educational innovation.