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BARD Implanted Port Catheter Lawsuit

Have You Been Injured? Speak Confidentially to Our Experienced  Texas Implanted Port Catheter Injury Attorneys 

If you or someone you care about has encountered complications or injuries associated with an implantable port catheter, it's crucial to stay informed about ongoing legal actions and your rights. At Laminack, Pirtle & Martines, we specialize in cases involving medical device injuries, and we're here to help you understand the current landscape of implantable port catheter lawsuits.

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Laminack, Pirtle & Martines offer contingency fee arrangements to all of our clients ensuring justice is never hindered by financial constraints.

catheter

We are proud to have one of our founding partners, Tom Pirtle, at the forefront of this litigation. As a member of the executive committee of this multidistrict litigation (MDL), Tom is among the select group of attorneys leading and overseeing this important case.

What Is an Implantable Port Catheter?

An implantable port catheter, commonly known as a "port," is a medical device implanted under the skin, usually in the chest area. It consists of a small reservoir connected to a catheter that is inserted into a major blood vessel. Ports are often used in patients requiring frequent or long-term access to the bloodstream, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients needing long-term antibiotic medication, or individuals in need of regular medical treatments.

implantable venous acces port diagram

Bard PowerPort Catheters: Complications, Lawsuits, and Patient Risks

Bard PowerPort catheters, crucial for delivering medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream, have been linked to a concerning number of serious adverse events reported to the FDA. These events encompass device fractures, infections, blood clots, and more, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications.

Understanding Bard PowerPort Catheter Materials and Design

Bard PowerPort catheters are primarily composed of ChronoFlex, a flexible polymer containing barium. The presence of barium in high concentrations within the polymer can contribute to its breakdown, leading to various issues such as fractures, degradation, fissures, and tubing cracking. If catheter pieces enter the bloodstream, they can cause significant internal organ damage, necessitating emergency surgery for removal and treatment.

Complications from Catheter Fractures

The PowerPort catheter tube is prone to fracturing, leading to small plastic pieces entering the vascular system, potentially causing life-threatening complications such as:

  • Heart attacks
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Cardiac punctures 
  • Strokes
  • Hemorrhages
  • Blood clots
  • Lacerations to tissue, blood vessels, and vital organs such as heart and lungs
  • Thromboembolism
  • Severe and persistent pain

Catheter Migration Risks

Catheter disconnection and migration associated with Bard PowerPort catheters can lead to serious side effects such as venous thrombosis and neurologic problems. Catheter migration can obstruct blood flow, cause infection, and result in organ damage. Patients experiencing catheter migration may be asymptomatic, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include neck, shoulder, chest, or ear pain, heart palpitations, and others.

Complications from Catheter Infections

Broken areas of the PowerPort may allow bacteria to enter a patient’s bloodstream and cause infections, leading to complications such as:

  • Bacterial bloodstream infections
  • severe swelling, necrosis around the PowerPort
  • sepsis. 

Common symptoms of infection include fever, chills, inflammation, redness, swelling or pain around the catheter site, drainage or pus, skin discoloration, numbness, and confusion.

A Range of Affected Products

Bard manufactures several products in the PowerPort line that have been associated with serious injuries following device fractures or infections. Some of these include:

  • Bard Power-Injectable Implantable Ports (PowerPorts®)
  • BardPort®, SlimPort®, And X-Port® Implanted Ports
  • PowerPort Implantable Port
  • PowerPort ClearVUE Slim Implantable Port
  • PowerPort ClearVUE isp Implantable Port
  • PowerPort Duo MRI Implanted Port
  • PowerPort MRI Implanted Port
  • Titanium Low-Profile Port
  • Peritoneal Titanium Port
  • PowerPort duo MRI Implantable Port

Allegations Against Bard

Port catheters were first developed in 1982, with the Bard PowerPort gaining FDA approval and entering the market in 2000.

It is alleged that Bard was aware of PowerPort catheter fractures, migrations, infections, and blood clots since its introduction in 2000. However, Bard's failure to inform patients, doctors, and hospitals of these complications and Bard’s failure to recall the product promptly resulted in serious injuries and deaths, prompting affected individuals and their families to seek justice through lawsuits.

Seeking Compensation for Bard PowerPort Injuries

Individuals who have experienced injuries or complications following the implantation of a Bard PowerPort catheter may be entitled to compensation. These complications can significantly affect the quality of life, making it essential to hold Bard accountable for the failures of its device.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or complications due to an implantable port catheter, you may qualify for compensation. Potential damages you may recover include:

  • Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for both past and future medical costs associated with your injuries.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress resulting from complications.
  • Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one has passed away due to port catheter complications, you may pursue a wrongful death claim.

We offer a free initial consultation and operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that we assume all financial risks associated with your case, covering expenses such as filing fees, expert witnesses, and other costs, with no payment required until we secure compensation for you.

Bard PowerPort Case Timeline

March 7, 2019 – Kaiser Health publishes a report revealing undisclosed device malfunctions to the FDA.

July 8, 2019 – The FDA clears Bard Power-Injectable Implantable PowerPorts to be implanted in patients.

May 24, 2023 – Plaintiffs request consolidation of Bard PowerPort Lawsuits into an MDL (Multi-District Litigation). This will allow one court/one judge to control and coordinate pre-trial proceedings.

June 16, 2023 – Oral arguments held for the creation of a centralized federal MDL.

July 27, 2023 – Plaintiffs argue before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation for consolidation.

August 9, 2023 – Federal PowerPort cases centralized in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona with Judge David Campbell presiding. 

October 18, 2023 – Parties ordered to cooperate in filing proposed protective orders.

November 16, 2023 – Master Complaint and Short-Form Complaint entered by Judge Campbell.

February 2, 2024 – Discovery ongoing, parties due back in court on March 1, 2024.

March 1, 2024 – Case management conference held, parties report progress in discovery.

March 8, 2024 – Court to discuss the progress of discovery on March 29, 2024.

March 15, 2024 – Injuries caused by the Port Reservoir were added to the Short-Form Complaint.

March 21, 2024 – Court approves Plaintiff Profile Form (PPF).

March 27, 2024 – Key study highlights risks in Bard PowerPort lawsuit.

Take

Action Today

Despite numerous reported serious adverse events associated with Bard PowerPort implantation and usage, Bard continues to promote these devices as safe and effective. If you or a loved one has experienced complications or injuries due to an implantable port catheter, it is crucial to explore your legal options. You do not have to navigate these challenges alone. Contact Laminack, Pirtle & Martines today for a free consultation.

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