Book excerpt: The definitive text and reference on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is now in its thoroughly updated Second Edition. This edition has been significantly reorganized to meet new demands in the field. The first section covers material relevant to the basic certification now being implemented by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists. The second section, new to this edition, covers echocardiography in the critical care setting. The third section covers advanced applications relevant to the current certification. Coverage includes new chapters on organizing education and training in perioperative echocardiography; ultrasound for vascular access; assessment of the patient with endocarditis; using echo during resuscitation; epiaortic and epicardial imaging; endovascular management of thoracic vascular disease; transcutaneous management of valvular heart disease; and perioperative application of Strain and three-dimensional echocardiography. A companion website includes the fully searchable text and an image bank.