Unraveling the Intricacies of the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit: An In-Depth Examination
In the realm of medical devices, the Bard PowerPort has emerged as a significant point of contention. This implantable port catheter device, designed for the streamlined administration of intravenous fluids or medication, has been the subject of numerous product liability lawsuits. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the device, its inherent defects, and the legal implications that have arisen as a result.
The Bard PowerPort: A Detailed Introduction
The Bard PowerPort is a medical device that is implanted just beneath the skin. It is designed to facilitate the attachment of a catheter for the purpose of intravenous delivery of fluids or medication. This device is the brainchild of Bard Access Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Becton Dickinson and Company (BD). The PowerPort is a fully implantable vascular access device that provides repeated access to the vascular system for the delivery of medication, intravenous fluids, parenteral nutrition solutions, and blood products.
The PowerPort is comprised of two main components: an injection port and a polyurethane catheter. The injection port, characterized by a raised center or “septum,” serves as the area where the needle is inserted to deliver medication. From here, the medication travels through a flexible tube, the catheter, and enters the bloodstream.
The Material at the Center of Controversy: Chronoflex AL
The catheter component of the PowerPort is constructed from a polyurethane material known as Chronoflex AL. This material has been a significant point of contention in the Bard PowerPort lawsuits. Allegations suggest a flaw in the chemical design and manufacturing of the Chronoflex catheters resulted in the PowerPort being weaker and less durable than it should have been. As a result of these inherent flaws, the PowerPort is prone to fracturing, migrating, and otherwise malfunctioning after being implanted.
Injuries Associated with the Faulty PowerPort
The manufacturing and design problems with the Bard PowerPort make the implant highly susceptible to fracturing after being implanted. The fracturing of the port implant can often cause it to migrate and cause vascular damage. The PowerPort is also prone to a number of other malfunctions.
Fracture and migration of the PowerPort have led to a variety of very serious injuries, including hemorrhage, cardiac/pericardial tamponade, thromboembolism, infection, cardiac arrhythmia, severe and persistent pain, perforations of tissue, vessels, and organs, or the need for additional surgeries to remove the defective device. Many of these complications can even be life-threatening.
Bard’s Knowledge of the PowerPort Problems
Soon after the PowerPort was introduced on the market, Bard began receiving many adverse event reports from healthcare providers reporting that the PowerPort was fracturing post-implantation. Bard also received large numbers of reports indicating that the implant had perforated internal vasculature.
As a result of these reports, Bard was aware or should have been aware that the PowerPort had a substantially higher failure rate than other similar products on the market. Bard should also have been aware that the problems with the PowerPort were related to flaws in the Chronoflex material used to make the device.
Despite this knowledge, Bard failed to warn consumers of these risks and failed to adopt a different, more reliable material. Lawsuits allege the defendants intentionally misled both patients and medical professionals about the safety of the PowerPort system.
Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
Over the last few years, the defects in the PowerPort have led to a growing number of Bard PowerPort lawsuits. These lawsuits are being filed by individuals who had the Bard PowerPort implanted and were seriously injured when the PowerPort fractured or malfunctioned post-implantation.
The lawsuits are being filed against the manufacturer, Bard Access Systems Inc., and its parent company, Beckton Dickinson. The product liability lawsuits allege that Bard was aware of the problems with the device. They also allege that rather than alter the design of the PowerPort to make it safer or adequately warn of the dangers associated with the PowerPort. Bard continued to actively and aggressively market the device as safe, despite their knowledge of numerous reports of catheter fracture, infection, and other serious injuries.
Eligibility for Filing a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
Anyone who meets the following criteria may be eligible to file a Bard PowerPort lawsuit and seek financial compensation:
- You had a Bard PowerPort device (or another Bard port/cath device) implanted
- Your Bard PowerPort fractured, migrated, or otherwise malfunctioned post-implantation
- You suffered serious physical injuries as a direct result of the problems experienced with your PowerPort implant
Bard PowerPort Complications & Failures
The design flaws and manufacturing issues with the Bard PowerPort have made the device prone to three primary complications or post-implantation failures: fracture of the PowerPort, migration of the PowerPort, and PowerPort infection. These complications can lead to significant internal damage, requiring emergency surgery to remove any fractured pieces and properly treat all affected organs.
Contact Alonso Krangle, LLP Today to Discuss Your Rights
If you or a loved one has suffered from an injury from the Bard PowerPort device, seeking legal counsel immediately is crucial. The experienced attorneys at Alonso Krangle, LLP can help determine liability, gather evidence, assess damages, build a strong case, and navigate the litigation process to compensate you for your injuries.
Call us today at (800) 403-6191 or complete the form on this page to learn more about this litigation and how to protect your rights.