The Bard PowerPort, an implantable port catheter designed for patients requiring frequent or long-term intravenous treatments, has recently come under scrutiny due to reports of device failures leading to serious injuries. Patients and their families have initiated lawsuits against the manufacturer, alleging that PowerPort catheter defects are the result of design and manufacturing errors.
In the article below, the product liability attorneys at Kherkher Garcia explore the nature of PowerPort catheter defects. We will discuss the potential injuries, the legal landscape surrounding the lawsuits, and steps victims can take to protect their rights.
Understanding the Bard PowerPort and Its Intended Use
The Bard PowerPort is a type of implantable port catheter placed beneath the skin to facilitate easy access to veins for medical treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and long-term IV medication delivery. The device consists of a small reservoir (the port) connected to a flexible catheter that delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. Its design aims to reduce the need for repeated needle sticks, thereby improving patient comfort during treatment.
What are Bard PowerPort Catheter Defects?
Despite its intended benefits, the Bard PowerPort has been associated with several significant defects:
Catheter Fracture
The catheter component of the PowerPort has been reported to crack or break apart. This fragmentation can lead to catheter pieces migrating through the bloodstream, posing risks of embolism or damage to vital organs.
Device Migration
Instances have been documented where the entire device or its components shift from the original implantation site. Such migration can result in vein perforation, heart damage, or pulmonary embolism.
Infections
The material composition of the PowerPort, particularly the use of barium sulfate, has been linked to an increased risk of severe infections. These infections can escalate to sepsis or endocarditis if not promptly addressed.
Blood Clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
The design of the catheter may contribute to the formation of blood clots, leading to conditions such as DVT, which can have life-threatening consequences.
Vein and Organ Perforation
Fractured or migrated catheter components have the potential to puncture veins, the heart, or other organs, necessitating emergency surgical interventions.
Victims and their families report suffering physical, financial, and emotional harm from these side effects.
Injuries Resulting from PowerPort Defects
The defects associated with the Bard PowerPort have led to a range of serious injuries among patients, including:
- Severe Infections. Patients have developed infections at the port site or systemically, some progressing to septic shock, requiring intensive medical treatment.
- Cardiac Complications. Migration of catheter fragments to the heart has resulted in arrhythmias and, in severe cases, cardiac tamponade—a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
- Pulmonary Embolism. Dislodged catheter pieces traveling to the lungs can cause blockages in pulmonary arteries, leading to respiratory distress and other complications.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The formation of blood clots in deep veins, particularly in the legs, has been linked to the use of defective PowerPort devices.
- Organ Perforation. Sharp catheter fragments have been known to perforate veins and adjacent organs, causing internal bleeding and necessitating emergency surgeries.
Legal Actions and Theories of Liability
In response to these adverse events, numerous patients have filed lawsuits against Bard and its parent company, Becton, Dickinson and Company. These lawsuits are grounded in several legal theories.
- Product Liability. Plaintiffs allege that the PowerPort’s design is inherently defective, leading to its failure and subsequent injuries.
- Failure to Warn. It is claimed that Bard was aware of the risks associated with the PowerPort but failed to provide adequate warnings to healthcare providers and patients.
- Negligence. The lawsuits assert that Bard continued to market and sell the PowerPort despite being aware of its high failure rate and associated dangers.
- Fraudulent Concealment. Plaintiffs contend that Bard deliberately concealed information about the device’s failure rates and complications from the public and medical community.
As of February 2025, over 1,000 cases were pending in federal court, consolidated into Multi-District Litigation (MDL) No. 3081 in the District of Arizona under Judge David G. Campbell. Bellwether trials are anticipated to commence later this year, which will serve as test cases to gauge jury responses to evidence and potentially influence settlement discussions.
Steps for Victims to Protect Their Rights
If you or a loved one has experienced complications related to a Bard PowerPort, consider the following steps to safeguard your rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Prioritize your health by consulting with healthcare professionals to address any complications arising from the device.
- Document Everything. Maintain comprehensive records of your medical treatments, symptoms, and any communications with healthcare providers regarding the PowerPort.
- Consult with Legal Professionals. Engage with attorneys experienced in medical device litigation to evaluate the merits of your case and guide you through the legal process.
- Be Mindful of Statutes of Limitations. Legal claims are subject to time limits, which vary by jurisdiction. Acting promptly ensures that
One of the most beneficial steps that victims and their families can take after any product injury is to contact an attorney. A skilled product liability attorney can help victims understand their legal rights and pursue compensation, if applicable.
Getting Legal Help after a Bard PowerPort Injury
If you or someone you love suffered complications from PowerPort catheter defects, taking legal action can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Medical device injury cases are complex, often involving detailed medical records, expert testimony, and extensive litigation against large corporations with powerful legal teams. For these reasons, it’s crucial to work with an experienced product liability attorney who understands the legal, medical, and technical aspects of your case.
Why You Need an Experienced PowerPort Lawyer
Product liability lawsuits involving medical devices like the Bard PowerPort are not the same as a typical personal injury claim. They require in-depth investigation, medical analysis, and the ability to prove that the device was defective in design, manufacturing, or warnings. An attorney with experience in this area can help by:
- Evaluating your case. A skilled lawyer can determine whether your injuries may be linked to a PowerPort defect and if you qualify to join ongoing litigation or file an individual lawsuit.
- Gathering crucial evidence. This includes your medical records, product information, surgical reports, and expert analysis to support your claim.
- Filing within deadlines. Every state has a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a claim. An attorney ensures that you don’t miss your window of opportunity.
- Negotiating with manufacturers. Your attorney will handle all communication and negotiation with Bard and its parent company, which may lead to a settlement without going to trial.
- Fighting in court. If your case does go to trial, your lawyer will advocate for your rights in court and present a strong case on your behalf.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
Victims of PowerPort catheter defects may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future treatments and surgeries
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Wrongful death (if a loved one died due to PowerPort complications)
The amount of compensation available varies based on the specifics of each case, but many victims are pursuing justice through the courts in hopes of holding the manufacturer accountable and recovering their losses.
Kherkher Garcia Is Here to Help
At Kherkher Garcia, our legal team is actively investigating Bard PowerPort cases and assisting victims nationwide. We have extensive experience handling defective medical device lawsuits and a track record of success against large medical device manufacturers. If you or a loved one suffered an injury related to a PowerPort catheter – such as infection, blood clots, embolism, or device fracture – our attorneys are ready to review your case at no cost.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. Don’t wait – your time to file a claim may be limited.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free and confidential consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and healing. Call us at 713-333-1030 to get started now. You can also submit our online contact form to request a consultation and more information.
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