Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Two patients enrolled in Derek's Alzheimer's clinical trial using nerve growth factor (NGF). The trial involves stereotactic surgery with a placebo control group. Daniel Cobb's case highlights the emotional devastation as he no longer recognizes his wife and has fallen in love with another dementia patient at his care facility.
Also known as: Dementia from strokes
Victoria is a patient with vascular dementia who, like Daniel Cobb, sometimes doesn't recognize her own husband Ben. She and Daniel have fallen in love during their lucid moments at the care facility, creating a parallel tragic love story.
Also known as: Blocked arteries
75-year-old woman undergoing quadruple coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Initially hesitant about surgery due to fear of complications, but is convinced by Avery's reassurance. The case drives the competitive dynamic between Yang and Avery for chief resident position.
Trauma patient undergoing his third operation develops severe pancreatic injury with enzyme leakage dissolving blood vessels and causing hemorrhage. Bailey performs emergency splenectomy and total pancreatectomy, then conducts an innovative islet cell autotransplantation to preserve insulin production, transplanting pancreatic cells into the liver.
Also known as: Unplanned pregnancy
Callie is pregnant with Mark's baby (conceived during her breakup with Arizona). She experiences first trimester bleeding causing significant anxiety, requiring multiple ultrasounds. A fetal heartbeat is eventually detected, confirming viable pregnancy. This drives major relationship conflict between Callie, Arizona, Mark, and Lexie.