Also known as: GBM, terminal brain cancer
Dr. Glassman is initially diagnosed with an inoperable glioblastoma multiforme in his pons, given 3-4 months to live. This drives the emotional core of the episode as Shaun refuses to accept the diagnosis and pushes for further testing, ultimately discovering it is actually a low-grade glioma that is treatable.
Also known as: Brain tumor
After Shaun convinces Glassman to get a DTI and trans-nasal biopsy, the diagnosis is corrected to a low-grade glioma, which is treatable with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, giving Glassman hope for survival.
Also known as: Broken ankle
Caden presents with a severe ankle fracture with rotation requiring immediate reduction to restore blood flow to the foot.
Also known as: Laundry pod poisoning
Caden ate 6-7 laundry detergent pods as part of a fraternity hazing ritual, causing severe gastrointestinal damage requiring emergency surgery to resect damaged bowel.
Also known as: DIC
Caden develops DIC post-operatively, causing simultaneous clotting and bleeding throughout his body. The team must identify the cause while managing the life-threatening condition, ultimately discovering it was caused by a surgical complication (aortic pseudo-aneurysm).
Also known as: Contained rupture of the aorta
Shaun discovers he inadvertently caused a pseudo-aneurysm in Caden's aorta during surgery by clamping the artery, which triggered the DIC. The team repairs it using an endovascular graft approach through the femoral artery.
Also known as: Ecstasy overdose
Caden had taken MDMA (Molly) during the fraternity hazing, which complicated his clinical presentation, though it was ultimately not the primary cause of his DIC.
Also known as: Alcohol poisoning
Caden presented severely intoxicated, which complicated anesthesia management and required the team to keep him responsive during initial surgery.
Also known as: Head laceration
Caden was suspected of having a concussion, which along with his alcohol intoxication required the surgical team to keep him responsive during the procedure.