Also known as: Heart failure
Patient requires heart transplant. Initial donor heart has damaged tricuspid valve discovered intraoperatively, leading to transplant abortion. Patient placed on ECMO while awaiting new donor. Xenotransplant (pig heart) considered but ultimately receives human donor heart after motorcyclist declared brain dead.
Also known as: Throat tumor
Patient with large anterior neck mass causing choking sensation. Mass has grown into the larynx with possible bilateral involvement. Requires surgical excision with complications including intraoperative bleeding from superior laryngeal artery. Patient is socially isolated hoarder who ultimately adopts pig from transplant case.
Also known as: Hernia in groin
Patient requires hernia repair surgery. The case is significant as Dr. Lim's first surgery back after paralysis. She struggles with standing during the procedure and must adapt her surgical technique, ultimately completing the surgery successfully from her wheelchair using modified equipment.
Also known as: Paralysis
Dr. Lim returns to work as chief of surgery after being paralyzed from a previous spinal injury (caused by Dr. Murphy's surgical decision). She struggles with mobility, adapting to surgical procedures from wheelchair, and significant frustration with physical limitations. This is her first day back after months of physical therapy.
Also known as: Hoarding
Patient with laryngeal mass also exhibits hoarding behavior with collections of electronics filling his apartment. He is socially isolated, defensive about his collections, and hasn't left house in extended period. Refuses psychiatric consultation. Treatment team addresses by giving him therapy pig to care for.