Also known as: Underdeveloped left heart
Baby Nathan is recovering from Cristina's experimental surgery using a 3D-printed portal vein conduit. The procedure's success is uncertain as Cristina admits she's not sure why the patient survived when the conduit failed, leading to a press conference and Harper Avery nomination consideration.
Also known as: Broken neck
Young patient with burst fracture at C-6 and internal bleeding after falling off a tractor and being run over. Father's decision to transport him instead of waiting for ambulance may have caused paralysis. Shows lack of nerve response suggesting possible quadriplegia.
20-year-old patient requiring his 312th debulking surgery for recurring bronchial tumors that threaten his larynx and lungs every 7-10 days. Bailey proposes culturing tumor cells to develop a custom drug treatment to stop the growths permanently.
Patient with esophageal pouch causing chronic sensation of food stuck in throat and history of aspiration pneumonia. Surgery to correct the condition results in massive stroke, leaving him awake but unable to speak.
Also known as: Stroke
Massive stroke occurring during Zenker's diverticulum surgery, likely from dislodged blood clot in carotid artery. Patient left conscious but unable to speak, devastating outcome for man who wanted to say everything to his wife before potentially losing his voice.
Also known as: Heart attack
Alex's estranged father suffers acute MI requiring emergency surgery. Shane Ross attempts repair but the ventricular wall disintegrates, leading to the patient's death. This occurs while Cristina is at April's wedding, having forgotten about her patient.
Also known as: OCD Harm (violent obsessions)
Bailey's ongoing struggle with OCD is referenced as she returns to surgery, with colleagues worried about whether her symptoms are truly controlled or if she's avoiding surgery by focusing on lab work. Her condition worsened when her husband quit his job.