Introduction to Bard PowerPort Catheters
A port catheter, often referred to as a port-a-cath, is a device implanted under the skin, typically in the chest area. This device consists of a small reservoir, known as a port, connected to a thin catheter. It simplifies the administration of injectable fluids, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and other medications. Despite its benefits, one in three people reportedly experience issues with their implanted ports. These issues can cause serious injury or even death.
Major Problems with Implanted Ports
Port Catheter Breakage
Port catheter breakage is a significant issue. Flex fatigue, a phenomenon in which a catheter loses its strength through repeated bending, can deteriorate and break the device. If shattered, fragments of the catheter enter the heart. Immediate cardiac surgery may be necessary to remove the shards. This also increases the risk of pulmonary embolism and vascular damage.
Port Catheter Migration
Catheter migration refers to the catheter slipping out of the port without breaking. Although it is typically simpler to remove when still intact, migration can become problematic in elderly or more delicate patients. Catheter migration symptoms include neck, shoulders, and ears pain. Additionally, neurological problems, venous phlebitis, and thrombosis could be potentially fatal when using the catheter to provide medication.
Risk of Infection
Some port catheter materials have flaws that can allow bacteria and other diseases to penetrate the catheter over time as its durability declines. This can result in catastrophic consequences, especially since port-a-caths are routinely implanted in patients who are already immunocompromised.
Injuries Associated with Port Catheter
Catheter failure can result in 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
Bard, a producer of medical equipment, is under scrutiny for its catheter products, including the Bard PowerPort and Bard SlimPort. These catheter devices were designed to endure strong injection pressure to simplify providing fluids to patients who need fast injections. The Bard PowerPort was approved by the FDA in 2000 as a port catheter device inserted under the skin to offer long-term and simple access to attach a catheter. However, many have experienced severe injuries from these devices.
Port Catheter Lawsuits
Patients with PowerPort devices may be more likely to experience major problems or suffer harm as a result of a catheter failure. Several lawsuits have been filed against Bard PowerPort, claiming that the tube increases the risks of infections. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of the implanted port device knew or should have known about the high incidence of catheter fractures, migrations, and infections that were recorded among people using the device soon after it was released in 2000.
Recall of Port Catheter Devices
Several manufacturers have recently recalled port catheter devices. Bard announced a Class II recall in March 2021 for their Bard PowerPort catheters due to the risk of catheter malfunction. When Bard PowerPort catheters are used in operations, there have been reports of severe injuries, including vascular damage and discomfort.
Responsibility for the Failure of Port Catheter
Medical equipment must always be produced to a high standard. Catheter failure frequently occurs as a result of the implanted port device manufacturer’s negligence. They should put safety precautions in place, such as strengthening devices to stop deterioration and ensure their devices are properly evaluated before put into widespread use.
Due to faulty products such as these, consumers are suffering more and more port-a-cath injuries. If the manufacturer didn’t take precautions to improve the quality of the catheter, they should be held completely responsible for any difficulties and injuries that occurred as a result.
Contact Alonso Krangle Today if You’ve Suffered a PowerPort Catheter Injury
Many people who needed additional port catheter surgery or were hurt by a faulty catheter device have already filed lawsuits against the manufacturer. In these port catheter lawsuits, the manufacturers are charged with marketing hazardous medical devices, failing to inform doctors of the high failure rates, and postponing life-saving recalls.
You may be entitled to substantial compensation in a product liability claim if it can be proven that the maker of a medical device was negligent and that this carelessness contributed to your injury.
When you file a power port lawsuit, you may anticipate economic and non-economic losses to be compensated. Economic losses also include costs like medical expenses and lost wages. Non-economic losses are meant to cover up for the emotional distress and bodily pain experienced by personal injury sufferers.
Contact our attorneys today at (800) 403-6191 to discuss your rights and see if you have a claim against Bard for the PowerPort or other catheter device.