What Is the Bard PowerPort Device?

The Bard PowerPort is an implantable port catheter device designed to simplify and improve the process of medication administration, blood draws, and chemotherapy treatments.

Bard ports of two main components: a small chamber implanted under the skin, known as the injection port, and a catheter tube that connects to a large vein within the patient’s vascular system.

The injection port is a discreet access point that healthcare professionals can use to administer medicines or withdraw blood samples.

The catheter tube delivers the medication directly into the bloodstream, making it an effective and efficient treatment method.

Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first Bard PowerPort device in 2000, it has become widely used in the medical industry.

Bard Access Systems, Inc. — a subsidiary of Becton Dickinson and Company — manufactures and distributes the Bard PowerPort device.

The Bard PowerPort implantable port is used in countless medical procedures, making treatment more convenient and less invasive for patients.

Recent reports of complications and injuries have raised significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the the Bard PowerPort implanted port catheter device.

Who Uses Bard PowerPort Devices?

Bard PowerPort devices are common in patients with various medical conditions requiring continuous intravenous therapies.

Users of the Bard PowerPort device may include:

• Individuals battling cancer who require frequent chemotherapy treatments
• Patients with chronic illnesses that require regular infusions or blood draws
• Patients who need long-term antibiotic treatments or pain management therapies
• Individuals with difficult-to-access veins due to medical conditions, such as diabetes or poor circulation

The Bard PowerPort catheter device is especially beneficial for those who require long-term treatment, as it minimizes the discomfort associated with repeated needle insertions and reduces the risk of complications.

However, these benefits may come at a cost if the device is defective and causes harm to the patient.

Known Complications Associated With Bard PowerPort Devices

While Bard PowerPort catheters have undoubtedly improved the quality of life for many patients, they are not without their share of issues.

Some of the known Bard PowerPort complications include:

• Catheter Migration: Migration occurs when the catheter tube moves from its original position and enters into other body parts — such as the lungs or heart — resulting in serious injuries and even death if not detected and treated promptly.
• Catheter Fracture: In some cases, the catheter tube may become fragile and break off, posing a significant risk of migration or causing obstructions within the bloodstream.
• Catheter Dislodgement: The catheter tube may become dislodged from its intended position, causing difficulty accessing the device or requiring surgical correction.
• Catheter Infection: Infection of the insertion site or within the device itself is another known complication that can result in serious health risks.
• Blood Clots: Blood clots can develop in the catheter or the surrounding blood vessels, potentially leading to more severe health complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein — typically in the legs — can lead to severe swelling, pain, and potentially life-threatening complications if it travels to the lungs.

Other Bard PowerPort complications that patients and healthcare professionals report include catheter failure, leakage, cardiac punctures, nerve damage, necrosis, and skin irritation near the insertion site.

These issues can result in additional medical procedures, prolonged hospital stays, and severe and persistent pain for patients.

Understanding Bard PowerPort Catheter Migration

As mentioned, catheter migration refers to the movement of the implantable port catheter device from its original implantation site within the body.

In other words, the device shifts or migrates to a different location within the vascular system.

This movement can result in various health complications and risks for the patient.

If your Bard PowerPort catheter fractured or migrated, resulting in injuries or complications, you may be eligible to file a Bard PowerPort Migration Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law’s Bard PowerPort Lawyers for a free consultation.

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

Why Are Bard PowerPort Implantable Port Catheter Devices Susceptible to Migration?

The Bard PowerPort catheter can malfunction for various reasons.

Particularly, the polyurethane and barium sulfate mixture (Chronoflex AL) used on the port catheter may be prone to fracture and migration.

Some of the factors that may contribute to its migration include:

• Device Design: The design of the PowerPort device may play a role in migration susceptibility. If the manufacturer fails to consider factors like device materials, device size, and insertion technique, the device may fail to stay in place.
• Improper Implantation: A trained and experienced healthcare professional has the expertise to implant the medical device correctly. If they fail to follow proper procedures, or an inexperienced individual handles the implantation, the catheter will likely migrate.
• Catheter Length: The length of the catheter tube connected to the injection port can impact the likelihood of migration. Longer catheters may have a higher propensity to move within the body.
• Patient Activities: Patient movements and activities can also contribute to migration. Activities that involve strenuous physical exertion or repetitive motions may increase the risk of device displacement.
• Medical Procedures: Certain procedures — such as catheter flushing or blood draws — can inadvertently cause device movement if not performed with care.

Complications From Catheter Migration

Catheter migration can lead to various complications that can be life-threatening or require significant medical intervention.

Some of these complications include:

• Pain and Discomfort: The device’s movement may cause pain and discomfort for the patient, making it a source of distress.
• Nerve Damage: Migration of the device may result in nerve damage if it punctures or impinges on nearby nerves, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
• Blood Clots: Blood clots may develop in response to catheter movement, potentially leading to DVT or other vascular complications.
• Severe Infections: Device migration can increase the risk of infection, as it may disrupt the integrity of the device and the surrounding tissues. This issue can result in serious health complications and the need for additional medical treatment.
• Organ Perforation: In some cases, the device may puncture or perforate nearby organs or tissues, resulting in severe internal damage that requires surgical intervention.

Bard Power Port Lawsuit Overview

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has suffered from complications related to the Bard PowerPort implantable ports.

Victims have filed Bard PowerPort lawsuits against Bard Access Systems, Inc. and its parent company, Becton Dickinson.

Bard PowerPort Lawsuit allegations include:

• Defective Product Design: The plaintiffs argue that the design of the Bard PowerPort device made it more prone to migration and other complications.
• Lack of Proper Warning: The lawsuit also alleges that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate warning about the risks associated with the device, leading to its improper use and harm to patients.
• Negligence: The plaintiffs claim that the manufacturers were negligent in their design, manufacturing, and marketing of the device.

The plaintiffs allege that the medical device manufacturer blamed healthcare professionals for improper implantation and usage rather than taking responsibility for the design flaws and manufacturing defects that led to complications.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated the Bard PowerPort lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Judge David G. Campbell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona presides over the Bard PowerPort MDL. 

TorHoerman Law: Your Bard PowerPort Attorneys

At TorHoerman Law, our team of experienced Bard PowerPort lawyers can help you navigate the complex litigation process and obtain the compensation you deserve.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that medical device problems can have on patients and their families, which is why we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation to our clients.

We can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your Bard PowerPort complications.

If you or a loved one has experienced health complications related to the Bard PowerPort device, you may be eligible to file a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

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

Our legal team is here to help you through the legal process.

Reach out to us with any questions you may have about the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit, defects on Bard PowerPort catheters, and more.