Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is the most frequently performed invasive procedure in pediatric and adult patients. The indications for a CVC include hemodynamic monitoring, administration of parenteral solutions, antibiotics, and parenteral nutrition, among others. The internal jugular, subclavian, and femoral veins are the most frequently used sites.

Traditionally, vascular access is performed using anatomical guides; however, its effectiveness depends on the operator’s expertise. The success of the anatomical guide procedure decreases as the patient’s age and weight decrease or the patient has had previous catheterizations or abnormal anatomy. In addition, the risk of associated complications such as cervical hematomas, pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, or deaths are reported when using this technique.

Ultrasound-guided Central Venous Catheter Placement is recognized by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (2002) and recommends ultrasound guidance as the preferred method for elective CVC insertion in adults and children. However, it has not yet become the standard due to a lack of training or adequate equipment (ultrasound).

This innovative atlas intends to cover all the technical details of 11 types of vascular access in the pediatric age. It is richly illustrated with over 200 images.

Atlas of Ultrasound-guided Central Venous Catheter Placement is a valuable book for medical professionals who perform vascular access in pediatric patients and a guide for anyone who wants to place an ultrasound-guided central venous catheter. It is a useful resource for pediatric surgeons, surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatric emergency care, pediatric intensive care, neonatologists, pediatricians, and nurses.

Fernando Montes-Tapia, MD, Ph.D, is a pediatric surgeon and professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in the Faculty of Medicine in Monterrey, Mexico. He is also assigned to the Department of Pediatrics at the «Dr. José Eleuterio González» University Hospital. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and is a researcher with the National Council of Humanities, Science and Technology (Conahcyt). His research focuses on ultrasound-guided vascular accesses in neonatal and pediatric patients, for which he has won national research awards.