[2024 Update] Bard PowerPort Catheter Fracture Lawsuit

What You Need To Know About the Bard PowerPort Device

The Bard PowerPort is a necessary medical device for the long-term treatment of specific patients.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how these devices are used, who needs them, and the complications associated with them.

What Is the Bard PowerPort Used For?

The Bard PowerPort is a medical device designed for the long-term administration of medications, fluids, and other medical treatments directly into the bloodstream.

The Bard PowerPort device is an implantable venous access port, commonly known as a “port,” and is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest area.

An implanted port catheter gives healthcare providers access to a patient’s vascular system.

Ports like the Bard PowerPort are frequently used in cancer treatment and other medical applications that require regular intravenous therapies.

When the device is implanted, it can only be accessed using a Huber needle inserted into the injection port.

A doctor or nurse use implantable ports to draw blood or deliver medicine directly to the bloodstream.

Who Uses the Bard PowerPort Device?

Patients who require ongoing intravenous treatments over an extended period often use medical devices like the Bard PowerPort devices.

These patients may include those undergoing chemotherapy, receiving long-term antibiotics, or requiring frequent blood transfusions.

The Bard PowerPort is designed to make administering such treatments more comfortable and reduce the need for repeated needle sticks, as it provides healthcare providers with direct access to a large vein.

This device is also effective for potent medication as it bypasses administration barriers, unlike most routes of administration.

Bard PowerPort Health Effects and Potential Life Threatening Complications

While the Bard PowerPort and similar devices can be life-saving for many patients, they are not without their risks.

Over time, numerous reports of complications and injuries related to Bard PowerPort devices have emerged, leading to Bard PowerPort lawsuits filed against the device manufacturer (Bard Access Systems).

Some of the known medical complications linked to the Bard PowerPort device include:

• Catheter Migration: In some cases, the port may shift from its original position, potentially causing damage to surrounding tissues or organs and migrating within the body.
• Catheter Fracture: The polyurethane and barium sulfate material used on the Bard PowerPort may make the device prone to fracturing and breaking, putting patients at risk.
• Catheter Infection: Infections can occur at the implantation site or within the bloodstream, leading to severe health complications.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots can form in and around the catheter or port, obstructing blood flow and necessitating further medical intervention.

Other possible Bard PowerPort complications and injuries may include:

• Blood clots
• Arterial puncture
• Cardiac punctures
• Heart attack or myocardial infarction
• Hematoma or hemorrhage
• Hemothorax
• Pulmonary pseudoaneurysm
• Pulmonary embolism
• Tachycardia
• Collapsed lung
• Stroke
• Other serious injuries

Complications and injuries from defective port catheters can result in the need for emergency surgery and other serious treatments.

What Is a Catheter Fracture?

A catheter fracture is a medical complication that occurs when the catheter, a thin tube that connects the implanted port to a large vein, breaks or becomes damaged.

When this fracture happens, it can have severe consequences for the patient’s health and well-being.

What Are the Signs of Catheter Fracture?

Identifying a catheter fracture can be challenging, as the symptoms may not always be immediately apparent.

A good rule of thumb is to seek out your medical provider right away if you feel any pain near the catheter site. 

Here are some of the most common signs of catheter fracture:

• Pain or Discomfort: Patients may experience localized pain or discomfort around the port site.
• Resistance or Difficulty With Flushing: Healthcare providers may encounter resistance or difficulties when trying to flush the port, which is a routine procedure to maintain its function.
• Blood Clots: Catheter fractures can increase the risk of blood clots forming within the catheter or bloodstream.
• Catheter Malfunction: The port may not function as intended, making it challenging to administer necessary medications or treatments.
• Infection: Damaged catheters can provide a pathway for infection to enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis or other severe conditions.

Why Does Catheter Fracture Occur on Bard PowerPort Devices?

Catheter fractures on Bard PowerPort devices have been a cause for concern and a central issue in many lawsuits.

The fractures are believed to occur due to design or manufacturing defects in the PowerPort.

Some of the factors contributing to these fractures may include:

• Material Defects: Issues with the materials used in the catheter or port, such as Chronoflex AL, may lead to weakening and eventual fracture.
• Design Flaws: The device’s design may make it more susceptible to catheter fractures under certain conditions.
• Improper Placement: In some cases, catheter fractures may occur due to improper placement or surgical technique during implantation.

What Other Complications Can Occur After a Catheter Fracture?

Beyond the immediate risk of a catheter fracture, there are additional complications that can arise as a result of this problem.

These complications can have serious consequences for patients and may include:

• Infections: As mentioned earlier, damaged catheters can be a gateway for infections, leading to systemic health issues.
• Tissue Damage: A fractured catheter can cause damage to surrounding tissues and organs, potentially leading to additional surgeries or medical interventions.
• Re-implantation Surgery: In many cases, patients who experience catheter fractures must undergo additional surgeries to replace or repair the damaged device, adding to their physical and emotional burdens.
• Cardiac Arrhythmia: This refers to an irregular heartbeat, which can be caused by foreign objects like catheter fragments disturbing the heart’s normal rhythm, potentially leading to more serious heart conditions.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Fragments from a fractured catheter can travel to the lungs, blocking an artery and resulting in life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
• Blood Clots: Foreign objects in the bloodstream, like catheter fragments, can lead to the formation of clots, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to other complications.
• Hematomas: This condition involves a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can be caused by damage from catheter fragments, leading to swelling and pain.
• Lacerations or Damage to Blood Vessels: Catheter fragments or the process of catheter fracture can cause cuts or damages to blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding and other related complications.

Do You Qualify for the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?

Implantable port catheter devices can be vital pieces of medical equipment that provide access to a patient’s bloodstream, but if the port catheter device is designed with materials that make the device prone to failure, serious injuries can occur.

Catheter port material used on the Bard PowerPort device may potentially present an increased risk of severe complications and serious injuries to patients.

Lawsuits claim that the Bard Power Port device is prone to catheter migration, fracture, and other injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or related Bard PowerPort complications, you may be eligible to file a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation with our Bard PowerPort attorneys.

Use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible to file a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit instantly.

Lawyers who specialize in product liability lawsuits can help victims seek compensation they are rightfully owed.

Bard PowerPort lawyers can help victims gather evidence related to their serious injuries, and assess damages to be included in their Bard PowerPort lawsuit claim.

Hiring a Bard PowerPort Injury Lawyer

One of the first steps in pursuing a Bard PowerPort lawsuit is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in medical device litigation.

Attorneys who specialize in product liability lawsuits for medical device defects have the knowledge and expertise necessary to assess the merits of your case and guide you through the legal process.

At TorHoerman Law, we have an expert team of legal representatives with extensive experience helping patients seek their rightful compensation.

We are currently accepting cases related to Bard Power Port, and we are prepared to represent you.

Gathering Evidence for a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit

To build a strong case, your attorney will work with you to gather essential evidence.

This evidence will help establish the link between your injuries and the Bard PowerPort device, demonstrating liability on the part of the manufacturer.

This part of the process can be started on your own, but an experienced Bard PowerPort lawyer can help you with this essential step.

Possible evidence in a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit may include:

• Medical bills
• Other receipts associated with costs
• Medical records
• Treatment information
• Employment records
• Written or video personal accounts of injury
• Photos and videos of injury progression
• Testimony from witnesses, such as loved ones

Assessing Damages in Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

Damages refer to the total losses incurred, economic and non-economic, as a result of using a defective Power Port catheter device and subsequent injuries.

Your attorney will help you assess and calculate damages.

The damages you can recover in a Bard PowerPort lawsuit may vary based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Potential damages in Bard PowerPort Lawsuits may include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Therapy costs
• Lost wages or lost earning capability
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damages
• Other compensatory and punitive damages

TorHoerman Law: Your Bard PowerPort Injury Lawyers

When facing the complex and challenging legal landscape surrounding Bard PowerPort lawsuits, having a skilled and compassionate legal team can make all the difference.

At TorHoerman Law, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families who are suffering from Bard PowerPort device complications.

If you or a loved one has experienced complications or injuries from a Bard PowerPort device, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you file a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit to seek financial compensation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit instantly.

Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of success in medical device litigation, and we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take on victims and their loved ones.

We are committed to fighting for the rights of those affected and holding manufacturers accountable for the harm their products have caused.