The Bard Implanted Port Catheter Products Liability Litigation comprises a series of lawsuits against Bard Peripheral Vascular, a subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc. Patients implanted with Bard’s port catheter devices have experienced complications. These devices are intended for bloodstream access during medical treatments like chemotherapy and blood transfusions. Regrettably, patients have reported issues like bleeding, infection, organ perforation, and even death related to the Bard PowerPort Lawsuits. It is important for those affected by Bard’s implanted port catheters, or their loved ones, to be aware of the litigation and consider available legal options.
What is a Bard PowerPort Implant?
The Bard PowerPort is an implantable catheter device used for intravenous delivery of fluids or medicine. Also known as the BardPort, it is used with medications such as chemotherapy.
Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
Designing medical devices and manufacturers’ marketing practices are crucial concerns, especially regarding the Bard implanted port catheter. Lawsuits abound, alleging inherent flaws in the device’s design and its association with severe health complications.
In addition to design issues, the litigation highlights manufacturers’ alleged use of deceptive and misleading marketing practices. Many patients argue that they were insufficiently cautioned about potential risks or that the risks were understated. If proven, these claims could expose the manufacturers to severe liabilities.
Multi-District Litigation
The JPML centralized the increasing number of cases before the honorable David Campbell on August 9, 2023, in the USDC of AZ. This MDL ensures that those affected by the Chemo port defects receive the justice they deserve.
Potential Complications
Bard’s implanted port catheters have a primary issue – they are prone to mechanical failure. The catheter might detach from the port, or the port might dislodge or disconnect from the catheter. This can cause medications or fluids to leak into the body, resulting in bleeding or infection. In certain cases, the catheter or port may migrate to different body parts, leading to organ perforation or other severe complications.
Barium Sulfate Complications
The Bard PowerPort also incorporates plastic mixed with barium sulfate, which aims to enhance the visibility of the port in specific imaging types. However, once implanted, the barium sulfate further weakens the structural integrity of the PowerPort, causing increased device degradation and the possibility of fracture and migration to other parts of the patient’s body.
Increased Rate of Injuries
Injuries linked to the Bard PowerPorts medical devices occur at a higher rate compared to other types of ports. These injuries happen when metal needles contact the catheter’s interior plastic, resulting in small holes and scratches in the material. This situation allows bacteria to accumulate on the catheter’s surface, potentially leading to severe and sometimes fatal infections and sepsis.
Consequences of Bard PowerPort Failures
The Bard PowerPort’s failures cause pain and trauma, leading plaintiffs to fall into a few categories: those who underwent additional surgical procedures to remove the device, those who suffered extensive injuries, and those who lost loved ones due to the implant’s malfunctions. Some of the common injuries associated with the failure or malfunction of the Bard PowerPort implant include:
Infection
Individuals developing infections or sepsis from using the Bard PowerPort device can face severe health consequences and need extensive medical treatment.
Catheter Fracture
The Bard PowerPort device has broken or fractured in certain instances, potentially causing severe health risks and complications. The PowerPort lawsuits claim that this is due to the product’s poor manufacturing.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
The use of the Bard PowerPort device has led to the formation of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in some instances. This condition can be life-threatening if the clots gain access to the lungs or heart.
Why was the recall issued?
The FDA issued a recall on Bard PowerPort models due to a manufacturing defect. As a result, this defect may cause the device to contain the incorrect size of the barb tip for the catheter, potentially resulting in malfunction and treatment delays that could harm patients. Bard promptly notified healthcare providers and affected patients, urging the immediate removal of affected devices.
Do I have a Potential Bard PowerPort Case?
If you have a Bard PowerPort implanted and experience any of the listed injuries, you may have a potential case. Additionally, serious harm can result from injuries such as device breakage, infection diagnosed more than 90 days after implantation, blood clots, device migration, and perforation of tissues or organs. Moreover, dire consequences can also arise from cardiac arrhythmia, necrosis around the port site, and cardiac/pericardial tamponade. Therefore, if you suspect that you have suffered any of these injuries due to a Bard PowerPort, it’s important to seek legal advice to explore your options for pursuing justice and compensation.
Seek Legal Guidance and Support
Manufacturers being held accountable is crucial for the safety of medical devices. Moreover, this is particularly important for products like Bard implanted port catheters, which have been known to cause serious complications for patients. If you or someone you know has been affected by the Bard PowerPort Lawsuits, it is important to not suffer in silence. Furthermore, speaking with one of our experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options. Additionally, they can guide you through the litigation process. You might be eligible for compensation and other damages due to the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering that these complications entail. Importantly, remember that you do not have to face this alone. Contact us today at 419-843-6663 or by using our convenient online contact form.
