On this page we will look at who qualifies to file a Bard PowerPort port catheter lawsuit. We will summarize the basic eligibility criteria that our firm is applying to screen potential PowerPort lawsuits; and we will describe the relevant injuries associated with the PowerPort lawsuits.
About the Bard Port Catheter Lawsuits
The Bard PowerPort, manufactured and designed by Bard Access Systems, Inc. (now a subsidiary of Becton, Dickinson and Company), is a fully implantable vascular access catheter system. This system is created to facilitate repeated access to the vascular system for administering medications, intravenous fluids, nutrition solutions, and blood products, commonly employed in chemotherapy for cancer patients.
Specifically made to streamline the direct delivery of medications into the patient’s bloodstream, the Bard PowerPort is surgically implanted entirely beneath the skin, maintaining its position post-surgery. It has two main components—an injection port and a polyurethane catheter. The catheter segment of the PowerPort is constructed with a polyurethane material. Unfortunately, flaws in the chemical design and manufacturing process of material have led to lower strength and durability in the PowerPort than initially intended. These inherent shortcomings make the PowerPort susceptible to fractures, migrations, and other malfunctions after implantation.
Bard apparently has known about the inherent problems with PowerPort for a long time (possibly even before the product was released on the market). Despite knowing about these issues, however, Bard has never recalled the product or sought to change the design to make it safer.
Starting in 2023, a growing number of product liability lawsuits were filed against Bard by individuals who were injured by the defective PowerPort catheters. The lawsuits are primarily based on claims of failure to warn and design defects. In October 2023, the PowerPort lawsuits across the country were consolidated into a new class action MDL.
Who is Eligible to File a PowerPort Lawsuit
To be eligible to file a Bard PowerPort lawsuit and seek financial compensation, prospective plaintiffs must meet the following criteria:
(a) You had a PowerPort catheter device implanted.
(b) After the device was implanted your Bard PowerPort experienced issues such as fracture, migration, or other malfunctions.
(c) You sustained significant physical injuries directly attributable to the problems encountered with your PowerPort implant.
Primary Injuries in the PowerPort Lawsuits
The primary injuries being alleged by plaintiffs in the PowerPort lawsuits include infection, hemorrhaging, cardiac problems, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), and perforation of veins or other tissue by the PowerPort.
Infection: The defective material that the PowerPort is made out of has resulted in a very high rate of infections at the port catheter implant site. Symptoms of a PowerPort infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or tenderness at the implant site. Fever, chills, and drainage of pus from the site are also possible indicators of an infection. Infections can pose serious health risks and may require prompt medical attention, including the administration of antibiotics or, in severe cases, removal of the infected implant.
Hemorrhaging: Hemorrhaging from a port catheter refers to the abnormal and excessive bleeding that occurs around or from the site where a catheter is implanted, particularly in the context of a port catheter system like the Bard PowerPort. This could be a serious medical emergency and often requires emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms of hemorrhaging from a port catheter may include uncontrolled bleeding, swelling, pain, and a visible hematoma (collection of blood). Immediate medical attention is crucial if someone experiences hemorrhaging from a port catheter to determine the cause and address the issue promptly. It may involve interventions such as stopping the bleeding, addressing the underlying cause, and potentially removing or adjusting the catheter.
Deep Vein Thrombosis: DVT is a medical condition characterized by the formation of blood clots (thrombi) within deep veins, typically in the legs. These clots can obstruct blood flow and pose serious health risks. Here are key aspects of DVT:
DVT occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins, usually in the lower extremities. These clots can impede the normal circulation of blood. DVT may present with symptoms such as pain or tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg. However, some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms.
One of the major concerns with DVT is the potential for the clot to dislodge and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. DVT can also lead to chronic complications, such as post-thrombotic syndrome.
Vein Perforation: The defective design of the PowerPort causes it to dislodge and migrate from its implant site. When the PowerPort migrates it can result in damage or perforation of veins or other tissue.
Perforation refers to the unintended puncture or penetration of veins or surrounding tissue by the catheter during placement or while in use. Perforation can lead to various symptoms, including bleeding, pain at the catheter site, and potential damage to adjacent structures. However, in some cases, perforation may not immediately present noticeable symptoms.
Contact Us About a Bard Port Catheter Lawsuit
If you were injured by a defective Bard PowerPort implant, contact us today at 888-322-3010 on contact us online for a free consultation.