Updated: August 22, 2024– Port catheter implants, like the Bard PowerPort, are small medical devices surgically placed under the skin. They connect a catheter directly to a major vein, allowing easy and repeated access to the bloodstream for administering medications, nutrients, or collecting blood samples. These devices are commonly used in patients undergoing chemotherapy, long-term antibiotic therapy, or total parenteral nutrition.

Over recent months, hundreds of personal injury lawsuits have been filed alleging that the implantable ports manufactured by Bard (aka, PowerPort) may lead to serious health complications, including infection, sepsis, even death due to the port’s barium coating.

Unveiling the PowerPort Problem 

The lawsuits filed against Bard, the manufacturer of the PowerPort implantable port catheter, allege that this medical device is responsible for several serious injuries. These injuries include infection, sepsis, organ perforation, vein perforation, implant site erosion, port migration, and port fracture. Each of these poses significant health risks, raising concerns over the device’s safety and the manufacturer’s responsibility.

The lawsuit seeks to consolidate claims from multiple plaintiffs who have experienced similar adverse effects, aiming to hold Bard accountable for the alleged harm caused by their product. This legal battle is crucial not only for the victims seeking justice but also for setting a precedent in the medical device industry regarding transparency and safety standards.

Known Adverse Reactions & Injuries

While port catheters offer undeniable benefits, there are known adverse reactions associated with their use. Patients may experience minor issues such as bruising, pain or swelling at the implant site. However, more severe complications have been reported, including:

1. Sepsis: The port is an open line to the bloodstream posing serious risk of infection and, more seriously, sepsis. If left untreated, this may escalate to life-threatening health concerns. Proper hygiene and care protocols are crucial to mitigate this risk, but even with precautions, infections may still occur due to the body’s reaction to or rejection of the PowerPort’s barium coating.
2. Organ Perforation: It’s been reported that catheters can rotate, migrate, malfunction and fracture. If a part or pieces of the device enter the bloodstream an organ perforation can occur. This serious injury requires immediate medical attention and often surgical intervention to repair the damage.
3. Vein Perforation: Similar to organ perforation, vein perforation can result from improper catheter placement or device migration. This can cause internal bleeding, requiring urgent medical treatment to prevent further complications.
4. Implant Site Erosion: Over time, the body can have a negative reaction to the barium coating on Bard’s PowerPort, which may erode through the skin, exposing the port and increasing the risk of infection. This condition necessitates surgical removal and replacement of the device.
5. Port Migration: The movement of the port from its original position can impair its functionality and pose significant health risks, depending on its new location. Intervention is usually required to reposition or replace the device.
6. Port Fracture: Structural failure of the port can lead to fragments entering the bloodstream, posing serious health threats, such as organ and vein perforation, necessitating surgical retrieval.

What to Do if You’ve Been Injured

If you suspect you have suffered an injury due to a port catheter implant, it’s essential to act promptly. Here are steps to consider:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical evaluation is crucial to address any complications and prevent further harm. Documenting your symptoms and medical visits will be important for both your health and any potential legal action.
2. Consult Legal Experts: Contact the legal experts at Lwyr.com to determine if you have a legal case. Experienced in medical device litigation, our team will:
   
   • Provide the details surrounding the Bard PowerPort lawsuit,
   • Explain what your legal options are when you’ve been injured, and
   • Put your case with the best medical device injury law firm in the country.
3. Document Your Experience: Keep a detailed record of your medical history, treatments received, and any correspondence with doctors, oncologists, and other healthcare providers. This information is crucial in building a strong legal case.
4. Get Ongoing Support: We will be an ongoing resource as your case progresses as a liaison between you and your law firm. We can also provide ongoing updates including news, judge orders, trial dates, trial verdicts, and settlements. Lwyr.com will also connect you with external resources and services upon request and where available.

Notable Events in the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit

2023:

• August: Multiple lawsuits alleging complications from Bard PowerPort catheters were consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in Arizona, overseen by Judge David G. Campbell.
• October: Judge Campbell issued several case management orders to establish procedures for the MDL.

2024:

• February: The number of cases filed in the MDL surpassed 100.
• March: The parties agreed on search terms for electronic document production from the first 30 custodians.
• May: A seventh Case Management Conference was held, where the parties discussed discovery schedules, DocuShare documents, and other procedural matters.
• August: The parties filed a joint memorandum stating that over 460 lawsuits were pending in the MDL.
• October: The Court held a hearing to discuss the progress of discovery, including issues related to privilege claims and redactions of evidence.

Ongoing:

• Discovery continues, with depositions of Defendants’ witnesses underway.
• The parties are working towards selecting bellwether trials, which are expected to begin in late 2025.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Bard PowerPort lawsuit underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in the medical device industry. For those affected, understanding the intricacies of the legal process and seeking expert guidance is vital to achieving justice and ensuring safer healthcare practices in the future.

If you or someone you know has experienced complications from a port catheter implant, please contact the legal experts at Lwyr.com for information regarding the Bard PowerPort lawsuit, what to do if you’ve suffered an injury, and ongoing support. Staying informed and proactive can make all the difference in navigating this challenging situation.