Book excerpt: Basic Transesophageal and Critical Care Ultrasound provides an overview of transesophageal ultrasound of the heart, lung, and upper abdomen as well as basic ultrasound of the brain, lung, heart, abdomen, and vascular system. Ultrasound-guided procedures commonly used in critically ill patients are also covered. With more than 400 clinical images, this well-illustrated text and its accompanying videos demonstrate new developments and challenges for those interested in mastering basic transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and bedside surface ultrasound. Each chapter is presented in an easy-to-read format that includes color diagrams and ultrasound images which optimize interactive learning for both novice and experienced clinicians. The book is divided into two parts. The first is dedicated to basic TEE while the second provides focused coverage of bedside ultrasound. The book also includes chapters on extra-cardiac TEE and ultrasound of the brain—unconventional areas that will become more important in the future as clinicians evaluate not only the etiology of hemodynamic instability but also the impact on multiple organs and systems such as the kidney, liver, splanchnic perfusion, and brain. This text is an invaluable resource to those preparing for the National Board of Echocardiography’s Examination of Special Competence in Basic Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography (PTEeXAM) and its equivalents outside the USA and Canada. In addition, it prepares physicians for the American College of Chest Physician’s critical care ultrasound certification. The contents follow the syllabus of the TEE basic echo exam to ensure complete coverage of a trainee's requirements. It also includes sample questions and two helpful mock exams. Written by a multidisciplinary team of experts in TEE, the book is a must-have for those in training and in practice.