Also known as: Cancer of the esophagus
George's father Harold has esophageal cancer and requires cardiac surgery before cancer treatment can proceed. This drives much of George's emotional arc throughout the episode.
Also known as: Leaking heart valve
Harold O'Malley undergoes aortic valve replacement with a porcine valve performed by Dr. Hahn. The surgery is complicated by irregular heart rhythms and significant bleeding requiring the patient to be placed back on bypass.
Also known as: V-tach
During pre-operative care, Harold develops ventricular tachycardia requiring emergency treatment with lidocaine. George initially misdiagnoses it as atrial fibrillation and orders verapamil.
Also known as: Intestinal obstruction in newborn
Molly's newborn daughter Laura is born with jejunal atresia causing intestinal obstruction that prevents her from breathing. Dr. Montgomery performs emergency surgery to correct the condition.
Also known as: Early labor
Molly, Meredith's half-sister, goes into premature labor at 36 weeks requiring an emergency C-section. Dr. Montgomery attempts to stop contractions but the baby needs to be delivered.
Also known as: Siamese twins
Adult conjoined twins Jake and Peter, attached at the lumbosacral junction with fused spines from L4 down and intricately connected blood flow, undergo separation surgery. The complex procedure involves 22 surgeons and carries significant risk of paralysis or death.
Also known as: Shaking hand
Burke continues to experience tremor in his hand following his gunshot injury and surgery. Derek suggests it may be due to compression of structures or a small clot, and Burke refuses another surgery. This ongoing condition affects his surgical capabilities.