Medical Diagnoses in Grey's Anatomy: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 10
- Oct 22
- 17 min read
Season 10 of Grey's Anatomy opened in the chaotic aftermath of the superstorm, dealing with the immediate fallout and long-term recovery of its doctors, most notably Dr. Richard Webber. This season was defined by a powerful blend of cutting-edge medical innovation and deeply personal ethical dilemmas. The surgeons at Grey Sloan Memorial pushed the boundaries of modern medicine with groundbreaking research in 3D bioprinting and gene therapy, while simultaneously confronting rare genetic syndromes, devastating post-operative complications, and the limitations of their own abilities. As the hospital navigated a new normal, the season culminated in the farewell to a foundational character, Dr. Cristina Yang, whose final cases cemented her legacy as a brilliant and fearless cardiothoracic surgeon.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1: "Seal Our Fate"
Severe Electrocution Injury (Dr. Richard Webber)
Dr. Richard Webber was found unconscious after being electrocuted. He presented with a thready pulse, severe hypotension, and repeatedly went into V-tach. An echo revealed very little heart activity. Dr. Yang placed an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) at the bedside to support his failing heart. His lactate levels skyrocketed, indicating massive intra-abdominal tissue necrosis. He was rushed to surgery for debridement to remove the dead tissue.
Traumatic Subdural Hemorrhage (Dr. Heather Brooks)
Dr. Heather Brooks, found with Webber, suffered massive head trauma. Imaging confirmed a massive Subdural Hemorrhage. She required an evacuation of the hemorrhage, with surgeons considering a temporal lobectomy to save her life, a procedure carrying a high risk of permanent motor and memory deficits.
Traumatic Diaphragmatic Rupture and Sepsis
Captain Lenny Shulte, a firefighter, was admitted with a diaphragmatic rupture after aspirating mud in a mudslide. The diagnosis was confirmed when a chest tube released feces. The massive internal contamination led to a severe septic cascade, severe acidosis, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA). He ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Necrotizing Fasciitis
Sasha, a crush injury victim from the mudslide, developed Necrotizing Fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) in her leg lacerations from exposure to contaminated mud and water. She required immediate surgery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Open Book Pelvic Fracture: A severe and unstable orthopedic injury.
Liver Laceration with Hemorrhage: A tear in the liver causing internal bleeding.
Aspiration (of mud): Inhaling mud into the lungs.
Episode 2: "I Want You with Me"
Necrotic Pancreatitis
Richard Webber's condition remained critical. He was in cardiogenic shock from suspected internal necrosis. An initial exploratory laparotomy was halted when his cardiac status destabilized. Acting as his health care proxy, Meredith Grey authorized a second exploratory surgery. Dr. Bailey discovered necrotic tissue hidden underneath the pancreas. The tissue was successfully removed, but his prognosis remained guarded as his organs were beginning to fail.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Necrotizing Fasciitis (Nec Fasc): A rapidly progressing bacterial infection.
Rib Fractures with Lung Laceration: A traumatic injury where broken ribs slice into the lung.
Glioblastoma: A highly aggressive malignant brain tumor.
Episode 3: "Everybody's Crying Mercy"
Post-operative Dysphagia and Malnutrition
Seven days after his pancreatic debridement, Richard Webber was suffering from dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and laryngeal edema, causing severe nutritional decline. A swallow study confirmed a high risk of aspiration. He actively resisted the placement of a Nasogastric (NG) tube for feeding, viewing it as an affront to his dignity, but Dr. Ross eventually placed it to prevent starvation.
Mitral Valve Failure in a Post-Infant Heart Transplant Recipient
Michael (17), who had received an infant heart transplant, presented with mitral valve failure and an ejection fraction of only 25%. His parents opted for a high-risk mitral valve replacement to avoid the trauma of another transplant list. The surgery was aborted due to extensive scar tissue and escalating arrhythmias (V-tach), confirming he needed a new heart.
Multiple Trauma Complicated by Coagulation Disorder
Kathleen Kane, a "human pincushion," sustained puncture wounds from a shattered baseball bat. During surgery for a massive internal hemorrhage, she suffered a stroke and died. The cause was an underlying coagulation disorder that led to rapid clot formation.
Facial Scars Requiring Pro Bono Reconstruction
Cara McAdams was scheduled for pro bono facial reconstruction surgery to remove scars. The procedure was nearly canceled due to budget cuts but was saved when Dr. Avery prioritized paying procedures to cover the cost.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Priapism: A painful, persistent erection, discussed in a study session.
Sickle Cell and Leukemia: Noted as major causes of priapism.
Subclavian Bleeding: A life-threatening hemorrhage during Kathleen's surgery.
Episode 4: "Puttin' on the Ritz"
Endocarditis leading to Pericardial Tamponade
Jake Doe, a trauma patient high on heroin, was diagnosed with endocarditis. He developed a pericardial effusion, and when his condition deteriorated, Dr. Ross performed an emergency pericardial window in the ER. During the subsequent operation, Ross placed a risky but successful u-stitch to repair a bleeding source in the heart, saving the patient's life.
Advanced Metastatic Cancer
Gene Steers was diagnosed with widespread metastatic cancer. A PET scan confirmed surgery was no longer an option. The team shifted to palliative, end-of-life care.
Post-Surgical Atelectasis
Dr. Richard Webber, recovering from his surgery, developed atelectasis (a partial lung collapse) from his refusal to use an incentive spirometer. This put him at risk for pneumonia and RDS. He was placed on CPAP and confronted by Dr. Bailey about his refusal to fight for his recovery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Heroin Use/Toxicity: The underlying factor in the trauma presentation.
Pericardial Effusion: Fluid around the heart, leading to risk of tamponade.
Tibia Impalement of the Foot: A severe traumatic injury where a woman's tibia pierced her own foot.
Episode 5: "I Bet It Stung"
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Samantha Calder, who had a history of multiple heart attacks, was scheduled for a simultaneous heart and liver transplant due to familial hypercholesterolemia. She went into heart failure again just before the procedure. The complex transplant was performed entirely under cardiopulmonary bypass.
Symptomatic Pancreatic Leak
James Evans (57) was six days post-op from a tricuspid valve replacement. He developed epigastric tenderness, abdominal distension, and an elevated white count, leading to a diagnosis of a symptomatic pancreatic leak. Treatment required unclogging his surgical drain with a Fogarty catheter.
Kidney Avulsion Complicated by Aplastic Anemia History
Reese Woods (22) was admitted after a hang-gliding accident. She had a history of aplastic anemia and was a "donor baby" for her sister. Surgery revealed the superior pole of her remaining kidney was almost completely avulsed (torn away). Surgeons were unable to repair it, meaning she would require dialysis and a new kidney.
Bladder Rupture Secondary to Masochism
Mr. Samuels presented with urinary retention from severe penile swelling, which he claimed was from hornet stings but was revealed to be self-inflicted masochism. The inability to place a catheter led to a burst bladder, requiring emergency surgery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Endocarditis: The infection that necessitated James Evans's valve replacement.
Aplastic Anemia: Reese's past medical history that complicated her family dynamic.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS): A serious, acute skin reaction.
Episode 6: "Map of You"
Left Ventricle Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
Ben Bosco was diagnosed with a "huge tumor in his heart," identified as a left ventricle AVM. The condition was deemed inoperable and terminal. Dr. Yang proposed a novel treatment: liquid embolization with specialized glue, a technique never before used on a beating heart. The high-risk procedure was successful, saving his life.
Pancreatic Pseudocyst
Dr. Webber complained of chronic left shoulder pain. Dr. Wilson correctly diagnosed it as referred pain from a pancreatic pseudocyst that was irritating his diaphragm.
Glioma (Brain Tumor)
Mickey Wenschler, a quadriplegic in a BCI research project, was diagnosed with an inoperable glioma deep in his brain. He refused to allow the experimental BCI sensors to be removed unless Dr. Shepherd also attempted to remove the tumor. Dr. Shepherd agreed, but during the high-risk operation, the patient suffered a catastrophic decline and loss of brain activity.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Referred pain: How the pancreatic pseudocyst presented as shoulder pain.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): The experimental technology Mickey was using.
Diaphragmatic Irritation: The underlying cause of Webber's referred pain.
Episode 7: "Thriller"
Situs Inversus
A patient referred to as "the biter" survived being shot twice over the heart because he had Situs Inversus, a rare congenital condition where his major organs, including his heart, are mirrored on the opposite side of his body. His victim, Victor Brown, suffered damage to his carotid artery, which was repaired with a synthetic graft.
Adrenal Insufficiency and Adrenal Crisis
Taryn (8) was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency, meaning her body wasn't producing enough adrenaline. When she was frightened during a Halloween event in the hospital, she went into an adrenal crisis/shock. She was treated with aggressive fluids and IV hydrocortisone and was expected to recover.
Myiasis
Marge Walker was admitted for a leg wound she believed was an infected bug bite. It was found to be infested with maggots (Myiasis). The maggots had inadvertently saved her leg by consuming the necrotic tissue.
Pancreatic Pseudocyst
Dr. Webber required a cystogastrostomy for his pseudocyst, a procedure where the residents competed to perform the surgery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Situs Inversus: The rare condition where internal organs are reversed.
Adrenal Crisis: A life-threatening condition resulting from insufficient adrenaline.
Myiasis: An infestation of live maggots in a wound.
Post-LASIK Complications: Mentioned as a cause of chronic facial pain.
Episode 8: "Two Against One"
Aggressive Sarcoma
Will, a teenager, was diagnosed with Stage Four sarcoma with 15 tumors covering his abdomen. During an "all-or-nothing" surgery, surgeons were unable to resect the final tumor, which was deep in his liver, because it would leave him with insufficient functioning liver tissue. The cancer was expected to spread, requiring further treatment.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Nathan Glazier, an infant with HLHS, was rejecting his synthetic conduit. The team planned to use a 3D bioprinter to create a biological conduit from his own cells, but needed compassionate release from the FDA.
Esophagectomy and Bowel Reconstruction
Duncan underwent an esophagectomy for a tumor, with his esophagus being replaced by a section of his colon. A complication occurred when the bowel was cut, leading to spillage and risk of fatal sepsis. A small leak was found and repaired.
Hemifacial Spasm
Harvey, a salesman, had a persistent facial "twitch" for 20 years. The cause was a tortuous vertebral artery compressing his facial nerve. A minimally invasive nerve decompression successfully eliminated the spasm.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Two-challenge rule: A surgical protocol invoked to stop a risky procedure.
3D bioprinter: The cutting-edge technology used for the HLHS conduit.
Methylene blue test and bubble test: Used to check for leaks in the anastomosis.
Tortuous vertebral artery: The anatomical cause of the hemifacial spasm.
Episode 9: "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word"
Post-Operative Septic Arthritis and Infective Endocarditis
Travis Reed, an Olympic snowboarder, underwent a hip replacement with a specific implant he requested. The surgery was complicated by a suspected pulmonary embolus (PE), forcing a rapid closure and leading to a retained surgical sponge. Two weeks later, he was readmitted with a severe post-operative infection that had spread to the prosthesis. The infection then traveled to his heart, causing infective endocarditis with vegetations on his aortic valve. The infected heart began throwing emboli into his extremities, causing acute limb ischemia. Despite an embolectomy, his legs turned black from necrosis, requiring a double amputation. It was later discovered the implant itself was contaminated with pseudomonas bacteria.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Retained surgical sponge: Left in the patient due to the emergent need to close during the initial surgery.
Infective endocarditis: The severe heart infection caused by the contaminated implant.
Acute limb ischemia: Loss of blood flow to the limbs from emboli.
Pseudomonas bacteria: The contaminant found on the Peterson hip joint.
Episode 10: "Get Up, Stand Up"
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
The infant, Baby Nathan, who needed a new conduit for his HLHS, deteriorated, desaturating to 60%. He was stabilized on an oscillator to buy time for the successful printing of a replacement 3D-printed vascular graft/conduit.
Advanced Pancreatic Tumor (Palliative Care)
Donna Kaufman was diagnosed with an advanced, inoperable pancreatic tumor. The treatment plan shifted to palliative care, including a procedure to relieve the obstruction and block the nerves to alleviate her pain.
Supracondylar Femur Fracture
Ella Holmes (6) was hit by a car and sustained a supracondylar femur fracture that was bleeding heavily into her thigh. Surgeons performed a definitive fixation of the femur using an external fixator.
Post-Cardiac Injury (Dr. Webber)
Dr. Webber, during an unmonitored stress test, fell off a treadmill and sustained a broken rib and chest wall bruising.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
3D-printed conduit: The cutting-edge graft for Baby Nathan.
Oscillator: The machine used to stabilize the baby's oxygen saturation.
External fixator (ex-fix): The device used to stabilize Ella's femur fracture.
Episode 11: "Man on the Moon"
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Treated with 3D-Printed Conduit
Baby Nathan underwent the groundbreaking surgery to implant the 3D-printed portal vein/conduit for his HLHS. The procedure was granted compassionate use approval from the FDA. Though the conduit was slightly smaller than anticipated, Dr. Yang successfully adapted it with a patch. Post-operatively, Nathan was placed on an oscillator but eventually stabilized and was successfully weaned to a normal ventilator.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Robotic Prosthetic: Used to restore hand function via implanted sensors.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A doctor exhibited compulsive behaviors that prevented his clearance for surgery.
Heroin Addiction and Withdrawal: A former patient returned seeking help for acute withdrawal, which was causing physical symptoms and hallucinations.
Episode 12: "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
Traumatic Burst Fracture at C6
Cody was run over by a tractor, sustaining a burst fracture at C6 and significant internal bleeding. Surgeons fused C5 and C6 to avoid paralysis. Post-operatively, the lack of nerve response suggested a potential diagnosis of quadriplegia, though it was hoped this was due to temporary swelling.
Recurrent Laryngeal/Bronchial Tumors
Elliot Hooks (20) suffered from recurrent bronchial tumors that required laser removal every 7-10 days, resulting in 312 surgeries since age four. Dr. Bailey proposed a new plan: culturing his tumor cells to custom-design a drug to stop their growth medically.
Zenker’s Diverticulum
Dalton, a patient with chronic bad breath, was diagnosed with Zenker’s diverticulum, a sack in the esophagus where food gets caught. After an open surgical repair, he suffered a massive post-operative stroke that left him unable to speak.
Myocardial Infarction Leading to Ventricular Perforation
During an urgent operation on Mr. Evans for an MI, Dr. Ross's attempt to stitch a ventricular perforation resulted in the heart wall tearing and disintegrating, requiring an immediate bypass.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Zenker’s diverticulum: The esophageal pouch causing bad breath and risk of pneumonia.
Post-operative stroke: The devastating complication after the diverticulum repair.
Acute Mitral Regurgitation (MR): Identified during the MI surgery.
Episode 13: "Take It Back"
Sepsis and Multi-Organ Failure
Jimmy Evans, Alex Karev's estranged father, was dying from terminal sepsis and multi-organ failure. His decline was exacerbated by a previous botched heart surgery. With a DNR in place, his treatment focused on comfort care as Alex brought his family to say their goodbyes before he passed away.
Traumatic Injuries Complicated by Extreme Body Modification
Robert Fischer, "The Cat Man," was admitted after being hit by a car. He had undergone 15 surgeries to achieve a feline appearance but expressed profound regret, having become severely isolated. Dr. Edwards suggested that Dr. Avery should fix his appearance pro-bono.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Pontine Bleed: A severe brain hemorrhage from 30 years prior that left a patient unable to move or communicate.
Aortic Aneurysm: A severe cardiovascular condition requiring upcoming repair.
Episode 14: "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away"
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS)
Rory (16), a brain cancer survivor, was diagnosed with two new malignancies: osteosarcoma and a giant mass in her chest. Genetic testing revealed Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), a rare mutation in the P53 gene that suppresses the body's ability to fight tumors. During surgery, the chest tumor ruptured, tearing into her aorta, and she died on the table. Her sister was then informed she also carried the mutation.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS): The rare genetic syndrome causing recurrent cancers.
P53 gene mutation: The cause of LFS.
Aortic Rupture: The fatal event caused by the tumor rupture.
Episode 15: "Throwing It All Away"
Shone's Complex
An abandoned baby, "Oscar," was diagnosed with Shone's Complex, a "trifecta of congenital heart defects" consisting of a coarctation of the aorta, a supravalvular mitral ring, and a parachute mitral valve. His condition became acute when his mitral valve "blew," leading to flash pulmonary edema and V-fib. He was stabilized with cardioversion, and a mitral valve repair was scheduled.
Byler's Disease
Jared Cole, a young boy with Byler's disease, was suffering from increasing jaundice and edema. To avoid a liver transplant, he required a biliary diversion. Dr. Karev proposed an innovative revision: using the appendix instead of the intestine to create the stoma, a simpler approach with a quicker recovery.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Shone's Complex: The rare combination of three specific congenital heart defects.
Byler's Disease: A progressive liver disease.
Arthrogryposis: A condition causing severe joint contractures and pain.
Episode 16: "We Gotta Get Out of This Place"
Fetus in Fetu
Greg, a patient with chronic pain, was diagnosed with fetus in fetu, an extremely rare condition where he had absorbed his undeveloped twin in utero. The "massive" mass contained a leg, a spinal column, a lung, and a tooth. He initially refused surgery due to an emotional attachment but consented after Dr. Webber promised he could keep the removed fetus in a jar.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
Dr. Yang's clinical trial for HLHS focused on creating a printable conduit from a re-engineered portal vein. Sheryll Jeffries (17), who was pregnant and had a failed conduit, was deemed too old for the pediatric trial criteria.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Fetus in Fetu: The rare condition of an absorbed twin.
3D-printed conduit: The focus of the HLHS clinical trial.
Transoral fundoplication: A minimally invasive procedure for reflux.
Episode 17: "Do You Know?"
Catastrophic C3/C4 Spinal Cord Severance
Jason Castor, an MVC victim, was diagnosed with a severed spinal cord after his C3 and C4 vertebrae were obliterated. This resulted in quadriplegia, leaving him dependent on a ventilator. Years later, as part of a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) trial, he developed rhabdomyolysis and renal failure.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Severed spinal cord: The injury that led to quadriplegia.
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) trial: The research study Jason was enrolled in.
Rhabdomyolysis and renal failure: Complications developed years after his initial injury.
Pulmonary Atresia: A serious congenital heart defect requiring unifocalization.
Episode 18: "You Be Illin'"
Complicated Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCID)
Braden Morris, a "Bubble Boy" with SCID, developed an infection that penetrated his brain, causing an intracranial abscess and a cerebral spinal fluid leak. His T-cell count was zero, as he had developed antibodies to his enzyme injections. He required immediate surgery to drain the Pott’s puffy tumor on his face.
Cluster of Cardiomyopathy
Ivy McNeil (15) was awaiting a heart transplant for dilated cardiomyopathy. On the day of her surgery, her younger sister, Francesca, was admitted with the same condition. Doctors suspected viral myocarditis as the cause. Francesca required the implantation of a pacemaker.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCID): The "Bubble boy disease."
Pott’s puffy tumor: A rare frontal sinus abscess.
Viral Myocarditis: The suspected cause of the sisters' cardiomyopathy.
Tetanus: A bacterial infection requiring toxoid and immunoglobulin.
Episode 19: "I'm Winning"
End-Stage Heart Failure/Cardiomyopathy
Link McNeil (9) was suffering from end-stage heart failure and was on ECMO awaiting a transplant. When his ECMO circuit clotted, Dr. Yang secured compassionate release from the FDA for a drug-eluting cardiac pump, an experimental artificial heart still in animal testing. The device was successfully implanted, stabilizing him.
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Braden, the "bubble boy," had a T-cell count of zero. Dr. Bailey's research focused on a genetic cure, involving genome sequencing and gene therapy using virus vectors.
HIV-Positive-to-Positive Kidney Transplant
A groundbreaking procedure was performed: the state's first HIV-positive-to-positive kidney transplant.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Drug-eluting cardiac pump: The experimental artificial heart.
Genome sequencing and gene therapy: The cutting-edge research for SCID.
Protein S Deficiency: A blood clotting disorder that complicated a pediatric case.
Episode 20: "Go It Alone"
Gene Therapy for ADA Enzyme Deficiency
Braden, the boy with severe immunodeficiency, underwent experimental gene therapy. Dr. Bailey used a genetically disabled HIV virus as a vector to deliver the missing ADA enzyme via a bone marrow extraction and re-injection.
Pediatric Cardiac Failure and Allograft Rejection
Three children were placed on the heart transplant list. Ivy, a previous recipient, was rejecting her heart. Frankie was diagnosed with heart failure and received an LVAD.
Surgical Correction of Seizure Disorder via Hippocampectomy
Nova Jenkins suffered from debilitating seizures. Her treatment was a hippocampectomy, a rare and delicate procedure to remove the hippocampus, which was successful.
Complication of Gastric Bypass: GI Bleed
A patient suffered a GI bleed from a stretched gastric bypass connection. The massive transfusion protocol was activated, and he later went into V-fib.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Gene therapy: The experimental treatment for Braden's ADA deficiency.
LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device): Implanted in Frankie for heart failure.
Hippocampectomy: The rare procedure to treat Nova's seizures.
Episode 21: "Change of Heart"
End-Stage Heart Failure and Complex Heart Transplantation
The twins, Frankie and Ivy McNeil, were both in critical need of a heart. When a single donor heart became available, Dr. Yang faced an ethical dilemma. She allocated the heart to Ivy, who was more stable. Ivy's transplant was a success. Frankie was fitted with a total artificial heart (TAH), but he developed catastrophic ventricular pressure issues and a fatal rupture on the table.
Targeted Gene Therapy for Severe Immunodeficiency
Braden, the "bubble boy," was scheduled for his gene therapy injection using a deactivated HIV virus. His mother, terrified of the experimental treatment, withdrew consent at the last minute.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Total artificial heart (TAH): The device Frankie received after losing the donor heart to his sister.
Triad of death: The combination of acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy Frankie was at risk for.
Spinal Schwannoma: A tumor of the nerve sheath near the spine.
Episode 22: "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
Craniopagus Conjoined Twins
Adult twins, Annie and Liz Cooper, were conjoined at the head, sharing brain matter and a single sagittal sinus. Liz was in high-output cardiac failure, making separation urgent. During the procedure to create a new sagittal sinus from a saphenous vein graft, Liz developed a clot. The team was forced to separate them quickly. Annie survived, but Liz did not.
Severe Immunodeficiency Treated with Gene Therapy
Braden Morris, the "bubble boy" whose parents withdrew consent, received the deactivated virus injection from Dr. Bailey against their wishes. The treatment was a "miracle," and his T-cell count soared overnight.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Craniopagus conjoined twins: The rare condition of being joined at the head.
High-output cardiac failure: The life-threatening condition forcing the twins' separation.
Perforation of the Subclavian Vein: A severe complication from a central line wire being improperly removed.
Episode 23: "Everything I Try to Do, Nothing Seems to Turn Out Right"
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Braden Morris's unauthorized gene therapy using a deactivated HIV vector was a success, and he was discharged from isolation. The controversial treatment led to legal repercussions for Dr. Bailey and Dr. Edwards.
Post-Rectal Cancer Fecal Incontinence
Monica Zarr (27) suffered from fecal incontinence as a result of her rectal cancer surgery. A novel solution was proposed: adapting a magnetic ring device normally used as an esophageal sphincter and implanting it at the anorectal junction to provide passive control.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Deactivated HIV as a viral vector: The innovative method used for Braden's gene therapy.
Magnetic esophageal sphincter: The device adapted for Monica's fecal incontinence.
Ruptured Omphalocele: A critical complication of a birth defect where exposed organs break through their protective sac.
Episode 24: "Fear (of the Unknown)"
Pediatric Heart Transplant and Mass Casualty Trauma
A gas-main explosion at a mall sent a wave of trauma patients to the hospital.
Link McNeil's Heart Transplant: Amid the chaos, a donor heart became available for young Link McNeil. The pediatric heart transplant went perfectly.
Internal Blast Injuries: Victims of the explosion presented with delayed symptoms of internal blast injuries, including peritonitis from a perforated bowel and a hemothorax.
Obstetric Emergency: A 31-week pregnant surrogate suffered trauma, and her baby went into distress, necessitating an emergency C-section.
Skin Reactions: Blisters and rashes on multiple victims were not from radiation but from prolonged exposure to dry-cleaning fluid.
Other Conditions Mentioned:
Orbital compartment syndrome: Required surgical release of blood behind the eye.
Left frontoparietal subdural hematoma: A severe traumatic brain injury.
Transradial amputation: Loss of a limb below the elbow.
🔖 Key Takeaways
The Aftermath of the Storm: The season premiere dealt with the devastating injuries from the previous season's superstorm, including Dr. Webber's electrocution injury leading to necrotic pancreatitis and the tragic death of Dr. Heather Brooks from a subdural hemorrhage.
Groundbreaking Research and 3D Printing: A major storyline focused on Cristina Yang and Shane Ross's research into treating Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), culminating in the innovative use of a 3D-printed conduit to save a baby's life. Meredith Grey also pursued her own research using 3D printing for portal veins.
Rare and "Zebra" Diagnoses: The doctors were challenged by a host of rare and difficult-to-diagnose conditions, including the genetic disorder Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, the congenital heart defect Shone's Complex, and the parasitic infection Fetus in Fetu.
The "Bubble Boy" Case: Dr. Bailey's high-stakes and controversial treatment of a boy with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) using a deactivated HIV virus for gene therapy highlighted the ethical conflicts between parental consent and a doctor's duty to save a life.
A Farewell to a Legend: Cristina Yang's final episodes featured some of her most complex cardiac cases, including a "domino" heart-lung transplant and the treatment of three siblings with cardiomyopathy, solidifying her expertise as she prepared to leave for Zurich.
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