Also known as: Common arterial trunk
Newborn Arlo Fischer has truncus arteriosus with VSD and was placed on ECMO due to deteriorating heart failure. When a donor heart proves unsuitable for full transplant, Pierce and Ndugu perform the first-ever partial heart transplant, replacing only the major arteries in a groundbreaking surgery.
Also known as: Hole in the heart
Part of Arlo's congenital heart defect that is repaired during the partial heart transplant by using the donor vessel walls to close the VSD.
Also known as: CHF
Arlo's heart failure secondary to his congenital defects leads to his placement on ECMO and deterioration into organ failure, making the experimental surgery urgent.
Also known as: Internal bleeding
Author Tessa Hobbes presents with severe abdominal pain and distention after lifting groceries post-surgery. CT reveals intra-abdominal bleeding, likely from a surgical complication. Despite emergency surgery, she bleeds out and dies on the table, devastating the surgical team.
Also known as: Baby with no brain
Amelia shares her experience of giving birth to her son Christopher who had anencephaly and lived only 43 minutes. She uses this story to counsel Arlo's parents about making difficult medical decisions when there is hope for survival.