Also known as: Deadly fungus infection
Derek develops a pan-resistant Candida auris bloodstream infection from a contaminated ventilator, leading to blindness, septic shock, and a spinal abscess requiring emergency neurosurgery. The infection drives the central medical crisis of the episode.
Also known as: Spine infection
Derek's Candida auris infection causes a spinal abscess that erodes the vertebral body, requiring high-risk corpectomy surgery by Cain while Derek is in septic shock.
Also known as: Eye infection
The Candida auris infection spreads to Derek's eyes, causing complete blindness. He requires direct intraocular injection of antifungal medications.
Also known as: Life-threatening infection
Derek develops septic shock from the drug-resistant fungal infection, with spiking fevers, hypotension requiring vasopressors, and worsening acidosis.
Also known as: V-fib
Miguel, a salsa dancing champion, has his implanted defibrillator fire after he develops ventricular fibrillation while dancing. He undergoes cardiac ablation to prevent future deadly arrhythmias.
Also known as: CHF
Miguel has known heart failure with only 25% cardiac function, which predisposes him to life-threatening arrhythmias during physical exertion.
Also known as: Brain abscess
Justine develops a subdural empyema from a dental infection that spreads through her sinuses into her brain. She requires emergency neurosurgery but dies on the operating table from uncontrolled cerebral edema.
Also known as: Tooth abscess
A popcorn kernel lodged in Justine's tooth causes a dental abscess that spreads to her brain, ultimately resulting in her death.
Also known as: Brain swelling
During surgery for her subdural empyema, Justine develops uncontrollable cerebral edema leading to herniation, cardiac arrest, and death despite aggressive interventions.