49th Annual Regional Anesthesiology
and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting

March 21-23, 2024 | San Diego, California

#ASRASPRING24

Workshops

 

In-person attendees have the option of tailoring their meeting experience to their personal needs through additional workshops. These workshops are available to physicians only and require additional fees. Workshops typically fill very quickly, so do not delay registering for those you wish to attend.

 


Thursday Workshops

  
8:15 - 9:45 am

WS-01  Blocks for Shoulder/Clavicle/Humerus (1.5 credits)
After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the relevant anatomy for shoulder, clavicle, and humerus blocks.
  • Select the appropriate peripheral nerve block for its corresponding surgical or analgesic indication.
  • Utilize a variety of techniques for shoulder, clavicle, and humerus surgery.
  • Recall advanced upper extremity peripheral nerve techniques including phrenic sparing blocks that can be safely used in patients with respiratory compromise.
8:15 - 9:45 am
WS-02  Blocks for Head/Neck Surgery & Awake Intubation - Simulator Session (1.5 credits)  

After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Define the anatomy and acquire optimal US imaging to perform blocks for the scalp, which include supraorbital/supratrochlear nerves, temporal nerves, and occipital nerves.
  • Define the anatomy and acquire optimal US imaging to perform the pterygopalatine fossa block for analgesia for midface surgery.
  • Identify the structures of the airway on ultrasound and acquire optimal US imaging to perform blocks for awake intubation, which includes glossopharyngeal, superior laryngeal, and recurrent laryngeal nerves.
  • Define the anatomy and acquire optimal US imaging for posterior head and neck pain, which includes cervical retrolaminar, cervical ESP and occipital nerve blocks. 
10 am - 12 pm 

WS-03  US-Guided Cryoneurolysis and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

(2 credits)  After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Identify patients who may benefit from ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis or percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for acute pain management.
  • Differentiate between ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis and percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation as adjuncts or alternatives to conventional local anesthetic blocks.
  • Integrate ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis and percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation into a regional anesthesiologist’s skill set.
  • Troubleshoot difficulties in performing ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis and percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation.
10 am - 12 pm 

WS-04  Focused POCUS for Regional Anesthesiologists (2 credits)

After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Describe key concepts of the POCUS evaluation of perioperative patients.
  • Discuss the evaluation of the lungs, diaphragm, stomach, airway, and intravascular volume status with POCUS.
  • Acquire the basic views of the POCUS evaluation of the lungs, diaphragm, stomach, airway, and intravascular volume status.
  • Integrate the POCUS evaluation of the lungs, diaphragm, stomach, airway, and intravascular volume status into the care of perioperative patients. 
1:30 -3:30 pm

WS-05  Blocks for Abdominal Surgery (2 credits)

After this session, participants should be able to: 

  • Recognize the anatomy and sonoanatomy of different types of nerve blocks or interfascial plane blocks for abdominal surgeries
  • Recognize newer regional techniques for abdominal surgeries
  • Compare and contrast these regional techniques in terms of indications and contraindications / pros and cons
  • Propose a management plan with regional anesthesia techniques in different clinical situations for abdominal surgeries
1:30 - 3:30 pm

WS-06  Neuraxial and Paraneuraxial Blocks (2 credits)

After this session, participants should be able to:

  • List regional anesthesia alternatives for difficult midline thoracic epidural.  
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of most common paraneuraxial blocks.  
  • Demonstrate the use of ultrasound to acquire correct images for TPVB, ITP, ESP, intercostal blocks as well thoracic spine for epidural. Be able to correctly mark skin projections of deep landmarks for thoracic epidural and measure distance to lamina and epidural space.
  • Perform paramedian thoracic epidural and thoracic paravertebral block, ESPB and ITPB on the simulator. 
  • Be able to transduce thoracic epidural pressure, perform epidural stimulation test and interpret standard epidurogram as confirmatory technique of correct epidural placement. 
  • Articulate local anesthetic dosing and associated complications with performing standard paraneuraxial blocks. 
  • Evaluate normal and pathologic sonographic features of the lung in case of complication of TPVB or intercostal block. 
3:45 - 5:15 pm

WS-07  Blocks for Elbow/Forearm/Hand (1.5 credits)

After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the anatomy and sonoanatomy of the nerves of the forearm and brachial plexus.
  • Demonstrate sonoanatomy of median, radial, ulnar, axillary, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, interscalene, costoclavicular, and retroclavicular approach to infraclavicular region blocks
  • Describe the indications for block to the forearm and brachial plexus blocks.
3:45 - 5:15 pm

WS-08  Blocks for Hip Surgery and Trauma (1.5 credits)

After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the relevant musculoskeletal, nerve, and sonoanatomy of the hip
  • List regional anesthesia alternatives for hip surgery
  • Review local anesthetic dosing and associated complications of hip analgesia blocks for surgery and trauma.
  • Demonstrate the appropriate scanning technique and describe the needle tip location for various lumbar plexus blocks for hip surgery

 


Friday Workshops

  
8:00 - 9:30 am

WS-09  Blocks for Hip Surgery and Trauma (1.5 credits)
After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Describe the relevant musculoskeletal, nerve, and sonoanatomy of the hip
  • List regional anesthesia alternatives for hip surgery
  • Review local anesthetic dosing and associated complications of hip analgesia blocks for surgery and trauma.
  • Demonstrate the appropriate scanning technique and describe the needle tip location for various lumbar plexus blocks for hip surgery
8:00 - 9:30 am

WS-10  Blocks Knee/Ankle/Foot (1.5 credits)                                                                           After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Identify surface and ultrasound anatomical landmarks to perform blocks for knee, ankle and foot procedures.
  • Discuss indications and contraindications for each approach for these nerve blocks.
  • Determine best practices for optimal performance of each approach for these nerve blocks.
10:15 am - 12:15 pm 

WS-11  Neuraxial and Paraneuraxial Blocks (2 credits)                                                         After this session, participants should be able to:

  • List regional anesthesia alternatives for difficult midline thoracic epidural.  
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of most common paraneuraxial blocks.  
  • Demonstrate the use of ultrasound to acquire correct images for TPVB, ITP, ESP, intercostal blocks as well thoracic spine for epidural. Be able to correctly mark skin projections of deep landmarks for thoracic epidural and measure distance to lamina and epidural space. 
  • Perform paramedian thoracic epidural and thoracic paravertebral block, ESPB and ITPB on the simulator. 
  • Be able to transduce thoracic epidural pressure, perform epidural stimulation test and interpret standard epidurogram as confirmatory technique of correct epidural placement. 
  • Articulate local anesthetic dosing and associated complications with performing standard paraneuraxial blocks. 
  • Evaluate normal and pathologic sonographic features of the lung in case of complication of TPVB or intercostal block. 
10:15 am - 12:15 pm 

WS-12  POCUS: Basic Cardiac FATE Exam (2 credits)                                                            After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Explain the indications for the FATE exam in perioperative settings
  • Acquire the standard views for the Focused-Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiogram (FATE) exam.
  • Improve management of the critical patient associated with cardiovascular shock utilizing the subcostal 4-chamber and IVC views from the Focused-Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiogram (FATE) exam 
2:15 -3:45 pm
WS-13  "Ask Me Anything" - Expert Tips & Tricks for Challenging Scenario (1.5 credits)

After this session, participants should be able to: 

  • Recognize patient, surgical, and procedural factors that increase the difficulty of regional anesthesia procedures.
  • Describe tissue artifacts that degrade ultrasound imaging, including hematoma, edema, anatomic variation, and post-surgical changes.
  • Demonstrate methods to improve ultrasound imaging and locate neural targets during challenging regional anesthesia procedures.
  • Recommend safe and effective regional anesthesia techniques for patients with polytrauma and/or at risk for compartment syndrome.
  • Utilize second-choice block techniques when preferred approaches are not viable.
2:15 - 3:45 pm

WS-14  Blocks for Spine Surgery and Acute Back Pain (1.5 credits)                              After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Use ultrasound to identify neuraxial anatomy.
  • Distinguish differences in the sonoanatomy between the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebral levels and associated musculoskeletal features.
  • Use ultrasound to determine the optimal site, depth, and trajectory of needle insertion to facilitate neuraxial anesthesia.
  • Select an appropriate paraspinous block technique, based on planned procedure and surgical approach and identify target anatomy for block performance. 
4:30 - 6 pm

WS-15  Blocks for Chest Wall: Breast/Thoracic/Cardiac (1.5 credits)                                   After this session, participants should be able to:

  • Identify basic anatomy and sonoanatomry of the chest wall 
  • Identify and discuss surgical and medical indications for various chest wall blocks.
  • Scan and identify sonoanatomy of the following specific blocks: (1) thoracic epidural (2) thoracic paravertebral (3) intertransvere process block (4) serratus plane block (5) PECs block and (6) parasternal block
  • Recall clinical pearls for performing chest wall blocks in breast, thoracic and cardiac surgery
    4:30 - 6 pm

    WS-16  Blocks for Shoulder/Clavicle/Humerus Surgery (1.5 credits)                                After this session, participants should be able to:

    • Review various options of upper limb anesthetic blocks for shoulder, clavicle and humerus surgery, including surface and deep anatomy concepts of sonoanatomy to ensure a solid regional anesthesia intervention. 
    • Discuss tips and tricks to refine technical skills and achieve proficiency in executing precise and advanced ultrasound-guided techniques for upper limb nerve blocks for shoulder, clavicle, and humerus surgery, emphasizing attention to needle manipulation and anatomical landmarks recognition.
    • Discuss patient-centered approaches by emphasizing individualized care and tailoring these nerve blocks to the specific surgical requirements, patient characteristics, perioperative considerations, and safety protocols that will lead to promoting optimal management and patient satisfaction

     


     

    Saturday Workshops

      
    8 - 10 am
    WS-17  Complementary Pain Management: Acupuncture / Medical Hypnosis (2 credits)

    After this session, participants should be able to:

    • Recall the basics of auricular anatomy and needling techniques
    • Recall enhanced auricular trauma protocol and the points and the potential use in the perioperative period
    • Perform needling on ear models
    • Increase self-awareness around their verbal and nonverbal communication with patients and others and the effect of nocebo.
    • Practice the basics of positive communication and hypnotic language.
    • Evaluate the role for hypnosis and other cognitive strategies in perioperative care
    • Recall the experience of hypnosis performed using scripts, guided imagery or self-hypnosis
    8 - 10 amWS-18  Fundamental Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks and Skills (2 credits)

    After this session, participants should be able to:

    • Describe the anatomy and reproducibly acquire US image for the performance of blocks of the brachial plexus, including interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular and axillary locations. 
    • Describe the anatomy and reproducibly acquire US image for the performance of blocks of the lower extremity, including femoral, adductor canal, popliteal nerve block and ankle block. 
    • Describe the anatomy and reproducibly acquire US image for the performance of blocks of the blocks to anesthetize the abdomen, including transversus abdominis plane block, external oblique intercostal fascial plane block, and rectus sheath blocks. 
    • Describe the anatomy and reproducibly acquire US image for the performance of blocks of the chest wall, including PECs, serratus anterior plane, intertransverse process, and parasternal intercostal blocks. 
    • Describe the anatomy and reproducibly acquire US image for the performance of erector spinae and neuraxial blocks. 
    • Demonstrate different techniques to optimize ultrasound visualization of the above target fascial plane and/or neural structures for improved success. 

    10:15 - 11:45 am

    WS-19  Blocks for Chest Wall: Breast/Thoracic/Cardiac (1.5 credits)

    After this session, participants should be able to:

    • Recognize and identify the relevant anatomy for chest wall blocks.
    • Choose the appropriate peripheral nerve block for its corresponding surgical or analgesic indication.
    • Improve performance of a variety of chest wall and neuraxial blocks.
    • Select appropriate peripheral nerve blocks for anti-coagulated or coagulopathic patients presenting with rib fractures or undergoing chest wall surgery.
    10:15 - 11:45 amWS-20  Specialized Blocks for Special Situations (1.5 credits)

    After this session, participants should be able to:

    • Explain multiple approaches to blocking the brachial plexus
    • Perform blocks of the lumbar plexus and branches of the lumbosacral plexus
    • Execute blocks to treat chronic head and neck pain
    1:45 - 3:15 pmWS-21  Managing Acute Complications in Regional Anesthesia: Clinical Simulation Training (1.5 credits)

    After this session, participants should be able to:

    • Describe crisis management principles and how they apply to the practice of regional anesthesiology
    • Demonstrate crisis management principles in a simulated regional anesthesia emergency.
    • Practice managing common anesthetic emergencies in simulated crisis scenarios.
    • Apply point-of-care ultrasound to help manage a simulated regional anesthesia emergency.
    1:45 - 3:15 pm
    WS-22  Trauma Block Pack (1.5 credits)

    After this session, participants should be able to:

    • Demonstrate the correct sonographic technique for performing blocks in the setting of hip/femur fractures, including suprainguinal fascia iliaca (SIFI), pericapsular nerve group (PENG), femoral nerve, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve blocks.
    • Demonstrate the correct sonographic technique for performing blocks in the setting of chest trauma and rib fractures, including paravertebral, erector spinae plane (ESP), serratus anterior plane (SAPB), and pectointercostal fascia blocks (PIFB).
    • Demonstrate the correct sonographic technique for performing blocks in the setting of foot and ankle trauma, including adductor canal block and distal sciatic (popliteal) block.
    • Demonstrate the correct sonographic technique for performing blocks in the setting of upper extremity trauma, including interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary approach to the brachial plexus.


    If you are already registered for the meeting and want to add workshops, PBLDs, or special event tickets, just email us at asrameetings@asra.com or call us between 8:30 am-5:00 pm Eastern Time at 412-471-2718.

     

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