Also known as: Mitral valve narrowing
Mrs. Larkin is a pregnant woman with previously undiagnosed mitral stenosis (valvular heart defect) that puts severe strain on her heart during pregnancy. The condition leads to atrial fibrillation and forces an emergency decision about premature delivery to save her life, creating the central ethical dilemma of the episode.
Also known as: A-fib
Mrs. Larkin develops atrial fibrillation as a complication of her mitral stenosis during pregnancy, triggering the emergency medical crisis that requires immediate delivery of her premature baby to save her life.
Also known as: Preterm delivery
The Larkins' baby must be delivered prematurely due to the mother's cardiac crisis. This creates the episode's central conflict where Mr. Larkin must choose between risking his wife's life or delivering a baby too early to likely survive. The baby ultimately does well.
Also known as: Heart failure
Elaine is a recurring patient on the transplant list waiting for a heart transplant. She represents the 'Circle of Life' philosophy discussed in the episode. She codes and dies at the end of the episode, providing thematic counterpoint to the baby who survives.
A pediatric patient named Ralphie who swallowed an engagement ring (and possibly medical supplies). Turk tries various methods to help him pass it, providing comic relief while waiting to retrieve the ring to propose to Carla.