Bard PowerPort Lawsuit
Understanding Bard PowerPort Devices
Bard PowerPort devices are implantable ports designed to provide long-term vascular access for patients needing frequent administration of medications, fluids, or nutrition. While these devices offer convenience in managing chronic conditions, they have been linked to serious complications and injuries, leading to numerous legal claims against the manufacturer, Becton Dickinson (BD).
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Who Is Eligible for a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit?
Patients who have experienced severe complications due to Bard PowerPort devices may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Common issues include infections, catheter fractures, embolisms, and blood clots. Individuals affected by these complications can consult a lawyer for a free case evaluation to determine if they qualify for compensation.
Function and Purpose of Bard PowerPorts
Bard PowerPorts play an essential role in healthcare by providing a stable access point for:
- Medication delivery
- Intravenous fluids
- Parenteral nutrition solutions
- Blood transfusions
These devices consist of an injection port and a catheter that connects the port to the bloodstream. Medical professionals use a specialized needle (PowerLoc) to access the port, allowing efficient, repeated access without the need for additional injections.
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Design of the Bard PowerPort
The Bard PowerPort, also known as the “BardPort,” is composed of two primary components:
- Injection Port: A self-sealing port implanted under the skin, equipped with a silicone septum that allows a needle to pass through for administering medication.
- Catheter: A flexible tube made from either polyurethane or ChronoFlex, which connects the port to a vein. ChronoFlex is a biocompatible thermoplastic elastomer designed for durability; however, reports indicate it may still be prone to fractures and infections.
Who Uses Bard PowerPort Catheters?
Bard PowerPort catheters are commonly used by patients undergoing chemotherapy, individuals with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, and those needing frequent blood transfusions. These ports reduce the risk of tissue damage from repeated needle sticks and offer a reliable access point for various medical treatments. Once healed, patients can generally resume normal activities like bathing and swimming without an increased risk of infection.
Common Complications and Injuries Associated with Bard PowerPorts
Some patients have reported that Bard PowerPort devices are less durable than expected, with a growing number of lawsuits citing design flaws in the ChronoFlex catheters. Common complications include:
- Catheter Fractures: The catheter may fracture, releasing plastic fragments into the vascular system, potentially causing severe complications like cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, and blood clots.
- Infections: The port can increase the risk of infections, which may progress to serious conditions like sepsis or septic shock.
- Catheter Migration: Parts of the device may migrate from the insertion site, leading to complications such as thrombosis, tissue perforation, and cardiac issues.
Bard Catheter Fracture Injuries
The PowerPort catheter is prone to breaking, which can release small plastic fragments into the bloodstream. This can result in severe, potentially life-threatening complications, including:
- Cardiac arrhythmia: Irregular heart rhythms that may impair heart function.
- Pulmonary embolism: Blood clots in the lungs, posing serious health risks.
- Cardiac punctures: Tears or punctures in the heart tissue.
- Blood clots: Increased risk of stroke or other complications from fragmented clots.
- Hematomas: Painful, localized blood pooling.
- Lacerations to blood vessels: Tears in blood vessels, leading to bleeding and inflammation.
- Cardiac/pericardial tamponade: Dangerous fluid buildup around the heart.
- Thromboembolism: Obstructed blood flow caused by clots, damaging organs.
- Perforations of tissues, vessels, and organs: Tears in areas like the heart or lungs, causing significant health issues.
PowerPorts for Cancer, IBD, and Other Conditions
Bard PowerPorts are commonly used for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, individuals with irritable bowel disease (IBD), and others needing long-term intravenous access. They also allow for the administration of IV contrast during imaging scans like MRIs and CTs, making them valuable for patients with chronic illnesses who require frequent diagnostic testing.
Manufacturer Recalls of Bard PowerPort Devices
Recently, Bard initiated a recall for several batches of PowerPort devices due to potential risks associated with these implants. The affected products include:
| Brand Name | Model Number/Product Code |
| BardPort M.R.I. Implantable Port | 0602610, 0602620, 0602640, 0602650, 0602660, 0602670, 0602680, 0602690, 0602830, 0602833, 0602840, 0602843, 0605400, 0605420, 0607173 |
| BardPort M.R.I. Low-Profile Implantable Port | 0603830, 0603840, 0603870, 0603880, 6603880 |
| BardPort Titanium Dome Implantable Port | 0602850, 0602860, 0602870 |
| BardPort Titanium Implantable Port | 0602230, 0602240, 0602270, 0602290, 0603000, 0602820, 0605300, 0605320, 0607301, 0607302, 0602210, 0602260, 0602280, 0602810 |
| BardPort M.R.I. Low-Profile Implantable Port | 0603830, 0603840, 0603870, 0603880, 6603880 |
| BardPort Titanium Dome Implantable Port | 0602850, 0602860, 0602870 |
| BardPort Titanium Implantable Port | 0602230, 0602240, 0602270, 0602290, 0603000, 0602820, 0605300, 0605320, 0607301, 0607302, 0602210, 0602260, 0602280, 0602810 |
| M.R.I. Plastic Dual Lumen Port | 0603500, 0605920, 0605930, 0607100, 0607200, 0615460 |
| M.R.I. Ultra SlimPort Implantable Port | 0605640, 0655640 |
| Peritoneal Titanium Port | 0603000, 0603006 |
| PowerFlow Implantable Apheresis IV Port | A710962 |
| PowerPort ClearVUE isp Implantable Port | 1606052, 1606062, 1606362, 1606382, 1608052, 1608062, 1608362, 1608382, 1666362, 1668362, 1676300, 5606362, 5608062, 5608362, 5666362, 5668362, CP00004 |
| PowerPort ClearVUE Slim Implantable Port | 1616000, 1616001, 1616070, 1616071, 1616300, 1616380, 1618000, 1618001, 1618070, 1618300, 1618380, 1676301, 1678300, 1678301, 5616000, 5616300, 5618000, 5618300, 5676300, 5676301, 5678300, 5678301, CP00005 |
| PowerPort duo M.R.I. Implantable Port | 1829500, 1829570, 5829500, 5829502 |
| PowerPort Implantable Port | 1708000, 1708001, 1708070, 1708071, 1709600, 1709601, 1759600, 1759601, 1778000, 1778001, 1778070, 1778071 |
| PowerPort isp Implantable Port | 1706050, 1706051, 1706060, 1706061, 1708050, 1708051, 1708060, 1708061, 1708160, 1708550, 1708551, 1708560, 1708561, 4708060, 4708061, 4708560, 4708561, CP00001, CP00002, CP00003, CP00009 |
| PowerPort isp M.R.I. Implantable Port | 1806050, 1806051, 1806060, 1806061, 1808050, 1808051, 1808060, 1808061, 1808069, 1808360, 1808550, 1808551, 1808560, 1808561, 1809660, 1809661, 1859660, 1859661, 4808060, 4808061, 4808560, 4808561, 9808560 |
| PowerPort M.R.I. Implantable Port | 1808000, 1808001, 1808002, 1808070, 1808071, 1808300, 1809600, 1809601, 1809670, 1859600, 1859601, 1878000, 1878001, 1878070, 1878071 |
| PowerPort Slim Implantable Port | 1716000, 1716001, 1716070, 1716071, 1716080, 1718000, 1718001, 1718070, 1718500, 1718501, 1718570, 1718571, CP00008 |
| PowerPort VUE M.R.I. Implantable Port | 1806052, 1806062, 1808052, 1808062 |
| PowerPort VUE Titanium Implantable Port | 1706052, 1706062, 1708052, 1708062 |
| SlimPort Dual-Lumen Rosenblatt Implantable Port | 0604970, 0624970, 0654970 |
| Titanium Low-Profile Port | 0602180, 0602190, 0605490, 0605510, 0606100, 0606150, 0606200 |
| Titanium SlimPort Implantable Port | 0605550, 0605560, 0655510 |
| Vaccess CT Low-Profile Titanium Power-Injectable Port | 7360000, 7360001, 7380000 |
| Vaccess CT Power-Injectable Implantable Port | 7460000, 7480000, 7496000 |
| X-Port isp M.R.I. Implantable Port | 0607500, 0607510, 0607520, 0607530, 0607540, 0607550, 0607555, 0657500, 0657510, 0657520, 0657525, 7707540, 7757540 |
| X-Port Low-Profile Titanium Port | 0655870, 0605840, 0605850 |
THIS IS AN ACTIVE LAWSUIT
Latest Bard PowerPort Lawsuit Updates
October 1, 2024
An Alaska man has filed a lawsuit claiming that his Bard PowerPort, implanted in February 2020, fractured and migrated, causing serious injury. He is seeking punitive damages, alleging the manufacturer’s negligence and failure to warn about the risks.
September 24, 2024
A Tennessee man filed a lawsuit in Arizona, stating that his Bard PowerPort, implanted in December 2020, caused infections and blood clots. The claims include allegations of manufacturing defects and failure to warn.
August 19, 2024
A woman from Louisiana filed a case in the Arizona MDL, claiming her PowerPort, implanted in January 2018, fractured. She alleges the device’s broken pieces moved through her bloodstream, posing life-threatening risks.
August 1, 2024
In a case filed in Phoenix, a woman undergoing chemotherapy alleges that her Bard PowerPort fractured, necessitating emergency surgery. Her complaint claims the manufacturer was aware of device failures but did not act to improve the design.
July 24, 2024
The number of cases in the Bard PowerPort MDL has risen to 299 by July 2024, indicating that more people are filing claims for injuries related to the PowerPort device.
July 14, 2024
Judge David G. Campbell will conduct a case management conference on August 16, 2024, to discuss discovery issues, including access to important documents and witness depositions.
July 7, 2024
A status conference for the Bard PowerPort MDL is scheduled for July 8, 2024, during which the discovery phase will continue.
June 9, 2024
A joint memorandum filed by plaintiffs and defendants outlines ongoing discovery disputes. Plaintiffs accuse Bard of downplaying the severity of PowerPort injuries, including fractures and complications that may lead to severe health issues.
May 27, 2024
The discovery phase is active, with both sides negotiating over access to documents. Plaintiffs argue that Bard was aware of device risks but failed to warn patients.
May 15, 2024
Judge Campbell addressed concerns over Plaintiff Profile Forms (PPFs) and document requests, noting that proportional information should be provided based on the case’s scale. The next status conference is set for May 24, 2024.
April 24, 2024
Judge Campbell ordered that depositions for the Bard PowerPort lawsuit be conducted remotely. Depositions play a key role, as they involve sworn statements from witnesses essential for the case.
April 9, 2024
Plaintiffs and defense reached agreements allowing Bard to access certain PowerPort pathology and medical records. An order also details how privileged documents should be handled during discovery.
March 27, 2024
A study central to the lawsuit highlights the risks associated with PowerPort devices, including infection and device fracture. Plaintiffs claim Bard was aware of these risks but failed to warn users.
March 21, 2024
Judge Campbell approved the Plaintiff Profile Form (PPF), a document that outlines relevant case details. The PPF’s approval marks an important milestone in organizing individual cases within the MDL.
March 9, 2024
Concerns have been raised over the slow pace of case growth in the MDL, with Judge Campbell deciding to maintain the current schedule for trial selection.
March 1, 2024
The Bard PowerPort MDL surpassed 100 cases. With the lawsuit being relatively new, experts anticipate several years of litigation before a full resolution is achieved.
February 26, 2024
A Certified Public Accountant was appointed to manage the Common Benefit Fund, ensuring transparency in expenses related to the MDL. The fund compensates plaintiff attorneys for their work in representing all plaintiffs.
January 20, 2024
The Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (JPML) will soon decide whether to add claims of post-reservoir defects to the MDL. Plaintiffs allege that specific materials used in the port’s reservoir could break down over time, potentially causing infections or tissue perforation.
January 1, 2024
A status conference is scheduled for January 8, 2024, providing an update on case progress. Fewer than 100 cases had been filed by the end of December 2023, reflecting the early stage of this class action-style lawsuit.
December 3, 2023
Judge Campbell approved the short-form complaint, a simplified document that outlines plaintiffs’ claims of injury. The approval streamlines the filing process for new cases within the MDL.
November 21, 2023
Bard filed a motion to remove certain allegations in the master complaint, arguing they expand the scope of the MDL beyond its focus. The judge has taken the request under consideration.
October 1, 2023
Judge Campbell held an initial conference to discuss the motions and responses from both sides. The first official case management conference is scheduled for November 16, 2023.
September 14, 2023
A proposed leadership structure includes attorneys for Co-Lead Counsel, Executive Counsel, Steering Committee, and Sub-Committee roles. These leaders are responsible for managing the litigation process, including investigations, arguments, and settlement discussions.
May 2023
A motion was filed to centralize Bard PowerPort lawsuits under one judge, seeking to streamline discovery and pretrial procedures. The decision to establish the MDL was discussed in July 2023, setting the stage for large-scale litigation.
frequently asked questions
What is the Bard PowerPort device, and why is it used?
The Bard PowerPort is an implantable port designed to provide long-term vascular access for patients requiring frequent medication administration, fluids, or nutrition.
What complications are associated with the Bard PowerPort device?
Common complications include infections, catheter fractures, device migration, blood clots, and other potentially life-threatening issues related to device malfunction.
Who qualifies to file a lawsuit related to Bard PowerPort complications?
Patients who have experienced serious health issues, such as infections, blood clots, or catheter fractures, due to a Bard PowerPort implant may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
What types of injuries have been linked to Bard PowerPort fractures?
Fractures in the Bard PowerPort catheter can lead to severe injuries, including cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, cardiac punctures, and other serious complications.
How do I know if my Bard PowerPort is malfunctioning?
Symptoms like pain, swelling, irregular heartbeats, or signs of infection around the port area may indicate device issues. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms.
What should I do if I suspect complications from my Bard PowerPort?
If you believe you are experiencing complications, seek medical attention immediately. You may also want to consult with a legal professional to discuss your options for pursuing a lawsuit.