The Bard PowerPort Catheter
The Bard PowerPort is a medical device, often referred to as a port catheter or port-a-cath, that is implanted under the skin of the chest. This device, connected to a thin catheter, is designed to simplify the administration of injectable fluids, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and other medications. Despite its intended benefits, the Bard PowerPort has been the subject of numerous lawsuits due to alleged design and manufacturing defects.
If you or a loved one was injured by the Bard PowerPort catheter or similar device, we are here to help. Contact Alonso Krangle today at (800) 403-6191 or complete the form on this page for a free consultation.
The Purpose of Bard PowerPort
The Bard PowerPort is a product of Bard, a medical equipment manufacturer. Other manufacturers of similar port catheter devices include Smiths Medical, Teleflex, and Angiodynamics/Navilyst.
The Bard PowerPort is designed to withstand high-pressure injections, making it an attractive option for patients who require frequent injections for medical procedures and check-ups. For instance, patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment often rely on these devices for their medication administration.
The Three Major Problems with Bard PowerPort Catheters
Catheter Breakage
One of the major issues associated with the Bard PowerPort is catheter breakage. This can occur due to flex fatigue, a phenomenon where the catheter loses its strength through repeated bending, leading to device deterioration and breakage. If the catheter breaks, it can lead to severe health consequences, including the need for immediate cardiac surgery to remove the fragments, increased risk of pulmonary embolism, and vascular damage.
Catheter Migration
Another problem is catheter migration, where the catheter slips out of the port without breaking. While it is typically simpler to remove when still intact, catheter migration can lead to serious complications, especially in elderly or more delicate patients. Symptoms of catheter migration include pain in the neck, shoulders, and ears, and it can potentially lead to venous phlebitis, thrombosis, and neurological problems.
Risk of Infection
The risk of infection is another significant concern. Over time, some port catheter materials can degrade, allowing bacteria and other diseases to penetrate through the catheter. This is particularly dangerous for patients who are already immunocompromised, such as those with cancer and other health conditions.
Injuries Associated with Bard PowerPort
The failure of the Bard PowerPort can lead to serious injuries, including hemorrhage, hematoma, blood clots, severe and persistent pain, cardiac arrhythmia, perforations of tissues, vessels and organs, pulmonary embolism, infection, cardiac/pericardial tamponade, necrosis, and even death.
Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Bard, alleging that the Bard PowerPort is prone to cracking due to design and manufacturing defects. These lawsuits claim that Bard knew or should have known about the high incidence of catheter fractures, migrations, and infections among people using the device soon after it was released in 2000.
Case Examples
Several cases highlight the alleged issues with the Bard PowerPort. For instance, a Missouri woman named Patrice Terry filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer after she was injured by the Bard PowerPort ClearVue Implantable Port. She claimed that the device’s manufacturing errors led to an irregular catheter surface filled with fissures, pits, and cracks, significantly increasing the risk of blood clots and thromboembolisms.
Another case involved Vincent Anderson from Missouri, who filed a lawsuit claiming that the Bard PowerPort catheter device was improperly built and led to the development of a serious fungal infection. Anderson had the Bard port inserted into his right internal jugular vein in March 2020 for chemotherapy injections to treat his urothelial cancer. However, due to a fungemia infection contracted from the PowerPort, he had to be readmitted to the hospital in December 2021.
Recall of Bard PowerPort Devices
Bard announced a Class II recall in March 2021 for their Bard PowerPort catheters due to the risk of catheter malfunction. The recall was issued following reports of severe injuries, including vascular damage and discomfort, when Bard PowerPort catheters were used in operations. The recall notice stated that patients “may experience difficulty in flushing, infusion and/or aspiration, and septum dislodges.”
Responsibility for Bard PowerPort Failures
Medical equipment manufacturers are expected to produce high-quality products that ensure patient safety. However, catheter failure often occurs due to negligence on the part of the implanted port device manufacturer. If the manufacturer did not take precautions to improve the quality of the catheter, they should be held fully responsible for any difficulties and injuries that occurred as a result.
Legal Recourse for Bard PowerPort Injuries
Patients who have suffered injuries due to a faulty Bard PowerPort device have the right to seek legal recourse. By filing a product liability claim, they can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include costs like medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic losses are meant to compensate for the emotional distress and physical pain experienced by personal injury sufferers.
While the Bard PowerPort was designed to simplify the administration of medications, it has been the subject of numerous lawsuits due to alleged design and manufacturing defects. Patients who have suffered injuries due to these devices have the right to seek legal recourse and should consult with a knowledgeable attorney to explore their options.
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.