Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

The Bard PowerPort implant (or “BardPort”) was designed to improve intravenous medical treatment, but it has unfortunately become the subject of numerous lawsuits due to serious complications reported by patients. This medical device has been linked to significant injuries such as infections, blood clots, and even device fractures. As a result, many individuals have sought legal action to hold the manufacturer accountable for these defects.

At Saunders & Walker P.A., we provide legal representation to victims affected by faulty medical devices, including those harmed by the Bard PowerPort implant. If you or a loved one has suffered due to complications arising from the use of this device, our experienced team is here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Is the Bard PowerPort?

The Bard PowerPort is an implantable medical device designed to permit the introduction of blood or liquid medicines into a patient’s vascular (circulatory) system. It is commonly used for long-term intravenous therapies such as chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and the infusion of medications. The PowerPort is surgically implanted beneath the skin, typically in the chest or arm, and connected to a catheter that allows medical professionals to easily administer treatments or draw blood.

The Bard PowerPort Implantable Port is often chosen for patients who require frequent treatments over an extended period, as it can offer a more comfortable solution than traditional IV lines. It consists of two main components: the injection port, which is fitted with a self-sealing silicone septum, and the catheter, which is visible under X-ray for precise placement.

Initial Reports of Problems with the Bard PowerPort

While the Bard PowerPort device has been marketed as a durable and efficient tool, concerns have arisen over its safety. The device, manufactured by Bard Access Systems, a division of Becton Dickinson (BD Medical), was initially welcomed by the medical community when it was introduced in 2000. However, as its use became widespread, issues with the Bard PowerPort began to surface, leading to a wave of lawsuits. These legal claims center on the device’s design flaws, which have led to severe complications for many patients.

In March 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class 2 recall for the Bard PowerPort Implantable Port. The recall was due to concerns that the device may have been distributed with an incorrect tunneler, which could cause complications during implantation. However, this recall was terminated on February 18, 2022.

The recall did not result in the permanent withdrawal of the Bard PowerPort from the market, and the device is still available for use. Despite the recall and the increasing number of lawsuits related to the product, the FDA has not issued any further recalls of the Bard PowerPort as of the most recent updates.

What Are the Issues with Bard PowerPort Devices?

Although the Bard PowerPort Implantable Port was designed to make long-term medical treatment easier, several issues have developed that have led to serious complications for patients. Below are the key problems with the Bard PowerPort that have been reported:

• Catheter fractures – The catheter connected to the port may break or crack, leading to dangerous complications, including migration of broken pieces inside the patient’s body.
• Device migration – In some cases, the device or parts of the catheter can move from its original position, causing damage to nearby tissues and organs.
• Infections – The port or catheter may become a site for bacterial growth, potentially leading to serious infections.
• Blood clots (thrombosis) – The PowerPort can increase the risk of blood clot formation in the veins, which may block the flow of blood and lead to other serious health problems.
• Barium sulfate exposure – The use of barium sulfate in the catheter has been linked to microfractures and weakening of the device.
• Pinch-off syndrome – The catheter may be compressed between the collarbone and first rib, causing blood flow issues, difficulty in drawing blood, and damage to the catheter itself.
• Device failure during power injection – The PowerPort is designed for use with high-pressure injections, such as for CT scans, but reports suggest that the port may fail during these procedures, causing leaks or catheter dislodgement.

These design flaws have reportedly led to significant health risks for patients, prompting a number of them to seek compensation through the courts.

Why People Are Filing

The Bard PowerPort lawsuits are largely based on allegations of negligence. Plaintiffs argue that Bard Access Systems and its parent company, Becton Dickinson (BD Medical), were aware of the risks associated with the device but failed to properly inform healthcare professionals and patients. Specifically, the lawsuits accuse the defendants of:

• Failure to warn – Bard and BD Medical allegedly did not provide adequate warnings about the potential dangers of the Bard PowerPort Implantable Port, including the risks of fractures and infections.
• Defective design – The plaintiffs argue that the design of the Bard PowerPort catheter is flawed, particularly due to the use of barium sulfate, which can cause microfractures in the device. This makes the catheter prone to breaking and increases the likelihood of complications.
• Misrepresentation of safety – Bard and BD Medical allegedly misrepresented the safety of the Bard PowerPort, promoting it as a reliable, long-term solution for patients requiring regular vascular access, despite knowing that it posed serious risks.
• Negligence – The manufacturers are accused of negligence in both the design and marketing of the PowerPort, as well as in their failure to conduct sufficient testing and research before bringing the device to market.

Legal History of Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

On May 24, 2023, a group of plaintiffs formally took action to combine their cases into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the United States District Court. This allows for efficient handling of many similar cases by grouping them together for pretrial proceedings, such as discovery and depositions. It streamlines the process while still allowing each plaintiff to retain their own case.

Currently, the Bard PowerPort MDL (No. 3081) is still in its early stages, but hundreds of victims have already joined the litigation. More are expected to follow.

Contact Saunders & Walker P.A.

If you or a loved one has suffered complications from the Bard PowerPort implant, you may be entitled to substantial compensation This can include damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related expenses.

At the nationally based law firm of Saunders & Walker P.A., we specialize in product liability cases, including those involving defective medical devices. Our experienced attorneys offer a free case evaluation to provide you with a no-obligation opportunity to discuss your situation and potential eligibility to file or join litigation against the manufacturer.

Call us today at 1-800-748-7115 for a free case consultation.