Also known as: Heart valve infection
Orthodox Jewish teenager with bacterial endocarditis causing severe mitral valve damage, requiring valve replacement. Central plot involves religious conflict over using a porcine (pig) valve versus finding a kosher alternative (bovine valve).
Also known as: Bleeding disorder
Patient has inherited bleeding disorder discovered after excessive bleeding following root canal, which complicates her valve replacement options and necessitates tissue valve instead of mechanical.
Also known as: AVM
Patient presenting as 'psychic' with visions is discovered to have temporal lobe AVM causing seizures. Central to storyline exploring faith versus science, with patient fearing loss of his 'gift' after surgery.
Also known as: Seizure disorder
Patient's seizures initially misinterpreted as psychic visions are revealed to be epileptic seizures caused by underlying AVM in temporal lobe.
Also known as: Spinal blood clot
Rock climbing patient with rapidly ascending paralysis from hidden spinal clot not visible on initial MRI. Derek operates based on clinical instinct, finding clot at T2 vertebrae. Major subplot about trusting instincts versus relying solely on imaging.
Also known as: Breast cancer
47-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with advanced breast cancer during pregnancy. Central emotional storyline involves her decision to continue pregnancy despite needing cancer treatment, choosing baby's life over optimal cancer therapy.
Life-threatening complication during spinal surgery with unstable blood pressure and heart rate requiring immediate intervention during clot removal.