Also known as: Disconnected esophagus
One-day-old infant Lee Franklin has esophageal atresia with a 4-centimeter gap preventing simple repair. The episode follows the complicated surgical approach involving stretching the esophageal ends over weeks while the baby remains in a medically induced coma, creating conflict between Robbins and Karev over surgical technique.
A fetus at 23 weeks gestation is diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis requiring fetal aortic valvuloplasty. The procedure becomes urgent when mild fetal hydrops develops. This case is central to Robbins' struggles in her new fetal surgery fellowship under Dr. Herman.
Also known as: Thyroid cancer that spread to the hip bone
David, a 33-year-old father of two previously treated for thyroid cancer, develops bone metastases to the hip requiring extensive tumor resection. Callie and Meredith devise an innovative solution using a split fibula graft to reconstruct the hip defect when traditional hip replacement proves impossible due to poor bone quality.
Emily develops spinal epilepsy after a comminuted arm fracture repair. Her nerve injury causes fluid-filled cysts on the spinal cord, producing debilitating pain shocks rather than seizures. The undiagnosed condition leads to a suicide attempt. Callie finally diagnoses it and performs radiofrequency ablation of nerve endings to stop the pain signals.
Also known as: Arm nerve injury
Emily's arm injury from a noodle-making machine caused nerves to be ripped from the spinal cord (avulsion injury), which subsequently led to her spinal epilepsy and chronic pain syndrome.
Also known as: Broken arm
Emily presents with comminuted, displaced mid-shaft fractures of both forearm bones requiring surgical fixation with plates and screws. This initial injury leads to the cascade of complications including nerve injury and chronic pain.
Also known as: Artery injury behind the knee
A pediatric patient requires vascular repair during surgery. Callie and Arizona argue about whether to use an interposition graft or primary repair, and whether to use synthetic PTFE or saphenous vein graft, demonstrating their marital conflict playing out in the operating room.