Best practice of deep regional blocks relies on the precise techniques and avoidance of complications. To achieve both purposes, more light should be shed on the safer and easier alternative approaches, monitoring methods, guiding facilities, optimal dosages, and education. However, current recommendations for clinical practice are often not based on evidence but rather on expert opinions, consensus, and anecdotal reports. Future research should focus on setting up randomized blinded trials adequately designed to evaluate and compare different techniques regarding specific deep regional blocks, either neuraxial (e.g., painless labor) or peripheral (e.g., paravertebral blocks, lumbar plexus blocks, gluteal-level sciatic blocks, truncal blocks, facet joint block, and stellate ganglion block), in the field of regional anesthesia and (acute or chronic) pain management.

Among guiding facilities, ultrasound for regional anesthesia and pain management has gained enormous popularity in the past decade. However, widespread use of the various techniques of ultrasound-guided regional blocks without adequate training raises the danger of malpractice and subsequent impaired outcome. Adequate education in the use of deep regional blocks under ultrasound guidance is essential and, therefore, focused reviews regarding specific ultrasound-guided deep regional blocks are also encouraged.

We invite investigators to submit randomized blinded original articles and focused review articles that will stimulate continuing efforts to develop a better choice while practicing deep regional blocks.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• A new approach to an old block technique
• Truncal blocks for regional anesthesia and pain management
• Monitoring methods regarding drug onset, efficacy, safety, or adverse effects
• Use of ultrasound or other imaging modalities to facilitate block performance
• Novel technologies for nerve imaging, localization, or safety during block performance
• Comparison of different techniques in comprehensive aspects
• Assessment of the role of simulation