The aim of this book, part of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) textbook series, is to educate and train practitioners in the safe and competent use of diagnostic ultrasound imaging in the visualization and interpretation of different conditions. Specifically, the program will train practitioners in the safe and accurate acquisition of ultrasound images in the examination and monitoring of patients in intensive care settings.

The readers will be able to obtain knowledge on the use of ultrasound in a safe and effective manner and to learn how ultrasound examination can be used to optimize clinical management of patients.

The chapters include ultrasound physics, ultrasound examination technique, optimization of the image, bedside ultrasound diagnosis of different diseases. Different domains will be addressed from the evaluation of different organs such as the heart, the lung, the abdomen, vessels and brain, focusing on the basic skills required to an intensivists working in the general Intensive Care Unit settings.

The book – richly illustrated and with electronic supplementary contributions – is intended for anesthetists and intensivists with basic knowledge of ultrasound physics and practical experience of ultrasound.