Introduction to Bard PowerPort
The Bard PowerPort, a product of Bard Access Systems, Inc., is an implantable port catheter device designed to provide convenient access to a patient’s veins for the administration of medication and fluids. This device, approved by the FDA in 2000, was initially hailed as a game-changer in the realm of medical technology. It offered a centralized access point to the patient’s bloodstream, significantly reducing the need for repeated venous punctures, which are often uncomfortable and stressful for patients undergoing extended treatment periods.
The PowerPort device comprises a small, circular reservoir connected to a catheter. The reservoir is surgically implanted beneath the skin, typically in the upper chest area, while the catheter is inserted into a large vein leading directly to the heart. When correctly implemented and operational, this system enables efficient and less painful administration of medications or nutrients directly into the bloodstream, significantly improving the quality of life for patients requiring consistent intravenous therapy.
The Defective Design of Bard PowerPort
Despite its initial promise, the Bard PowerPort has been associated with various device failures. The primary concern revolves around the alleged design flaws in the device. The catheter port material has been known to crack, leading the catheter to potentially fracture or even migrate. These defects have caused grave insidious infections, blood clots, cardiac punctures, and numerous life-altering medical conditions.
The potential for the device to fracture after implantation is particularly alarming. If the device fractures, it can migrate, causing vascular damage. The PowerPort can malfunction in a number of different ways, each posing a significant risk to the patient’s health and well-being.
Injuries and Complications from Bard PowerPort
The complications arising from the defective design of the Bard PowerPort are not just theoretical concerns but have manifested in real-world scenarios, causing severe injuries and even death. The most common injuries associated with the Bard PowerPort include infections, septic shock, hemorrhaging injuries, sepsis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bleeding injuries, cardiac/pericardial tamponade, cardiac arrhythmia, severe and persistent pain, and perforations of vessels, tissues, and organs.
When the device fractures, it can lead to a condition known as a pulmonary embolism, a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. This condition often requires immediate medical intervention and can prove fatal if not promptly treated. The issue of device migration is another grave complication. The PowerPort device moves from its original placement site within the patient’s body. This movement can cause significant internal damage, especially if the device impinges upon vital organs or tissues. Such complications could result in severe internal bleeding, damage to critical organs, or serious infection.
Legal Actions Against Bard PowerPort
As the number of reported PowerPort failures and their associated severe health complications mounted, a series of lawsuits were filed against C.R. Bard. The plaintiffs in these lawsuits alleged that Bard was fully aware of the potential defects and failures of their PowerPort devices. Despite this knowledge, the company allegedly needed to provide adequate warnings to healthcare providers and patients about the associated risks.
The accusations leveled against C.R. Bard extended beyond simple negligence. Plaintiffs charged the company with fraudulent concealment, alleging that Bard knowingly withheld information about product defects. They also accused the company of breaching warranty, arguing that Bard failed to live up to their product safety and effectiveness promise.
The Impact of Bard PowerPort Failures on Patients
The consequences of Bard PowerPort failures are not merely physical. They extend to the emotional and psychological well-being of the patients as well. The physical pain and discomfort, coupled with the stress and anxiety of dealing with a malfunctioning medical device, can take a significant toll on a patient’s mental health.
Patients who were hospitalized when their Bard PowerPort device cracked, broke, leaked medication, or ceased working have had to undergo invasive surgeries. The recovery from these surgeries, both physically and emotionally, can be a long and arduous process. The disruption to patients’ treatment schedules can also lead to a delay in their recovery from the underlying condition for which the PowerPort was implanted in the first place.
The Future of Medical Device Safety and Corporate Accountability
The Bard PowerPort lawsuits serve as a stark reminder of the importance of medical device safety and corporate accountability. They underscore the need for medical device manufacturers to prioritize patient safety over profits.
The lawsuits also highlight the need for improved regulatory oversight and quality control in the medical device industry. Regulatory bodies need to ensure that medical devices are thoroughly tested and vetted before they are approved for use. They also need to have robust post-market surveillance systems in place to quickly identify and address any issues that arise after the devices have been implanted in patients.
Contact Alonso Krangle Today to Discuss Your Rights
If you or a loved one has suffered from an injury due to the Bard PowerPort device, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel immediately. The experienced attorneys at Alonso Krangle can help determine liability, gather evidence, assess damages, build a strong case, and navigate the litigation process to get you compensated 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.