Book excerpt: This atlas covers the basics of ultrasound physics, provides the necessary background to successfully perform TEE and TTE procedures, and provides tips and tricks that will prove invaluable in the critical care environment. It also features an abundance of high quality photographs, illustrations and videos as well as numerous case studies to test the reader's ability to apply knowledge to real-life clinical situations. Written by experts in the field, The Atlas of Critical Care Echocardiography is a concise, visual guide designed for use by all physicians who see cardiac patients in the ICU.