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Bard PowerPort
What is the Bard PowerPort?
The Bard PowerPort is a device that carries medicine into the bloodstream, also known as a port catheter. This device is the smallest of its kind so far, measuring about the size of a quarter, and it can be implanted in either the chest or the arm.
The PowerPort setup includes connecting the implanted device to a small catheter tube. The catheter tube is then placed inside a central vein that takes blood to your heart. When a specific needle is placed into the PowerPort’s septum in the center, it provides access into the catheter and consequently directly into the bloodstream. That enables medicines and fluids to be transported into the bloodstream as well as blood samples to be taken out of it.
The mechanism that enables the valve to open is simple. Whenever a negative pressure is applied like in the case of a vacuum being activated via a syringe, the valve of the port opens inward. Conversely, when fluid is introduced into the catheter, including medicines, the pressure pushes the valve outwards, enabling the medicine to enter the bloodstream. However, when the valve is at a neutral pressure, it remains closed, therefore making closed its default state.
Complications with the Bard PowerPort
Since its introduction, people who have the Bard PowerPort implanted have reported numerous adverse side effects. One of the most common problems that arise with this device is that the catheter can crack, leading to the catheter fracturing or migrating.
These complications with the catheter can lead to patients experiencing:
- Infections including sepsis or septic shock
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Hemorrhaging or Bleeding Injuries
- Cardiac/pericardial tamponade
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Severe and persistent pain
- Perforations of surrounding tissues, vessels, and organs
- Death
- Other life-threatening injuries
Due to the nature of these injuries, complications from the PowerPort will often require medical attention and can lead to permanent injury or death.
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What Causes the PowerPort Catheter to Crack?
Many of the catheter tubes in the PowerPort are made of a polyurethane polymer known as Chronoflex. The issue this compound experiences is a result of the use of barium sulfate in its polyurethane polymer. The high amounts of barium sulfate in the tube cause it to lose structural integrity, leading to fractures. As the tubing loses its structural integrity, it causes the tube to degrade while it is still positioned in the patient’s large vein. This degradation causes an increased chance of thromboembolism or blood clots.
Did Bard Know About the Problems with the PowerPort?
According to current litigation, plaintiffs stipulated that Bard, the device’s manufacturer, knew that their product had higher reported complications, including migration and infection, than similar products on the market for years. The plaintiffs further allege that the number of compilations, as well as their severity, may have been lessened if safer products had been used or Bard had issued a recall for the product. As of 2023, no recall has been issued for the Bard PowerPort.
Bard PowerPort Lawsuits
In 2023 there is no class action suit being leveled against Bard for the complications patients suffer when the PowerPort is implanted. However, beginning in May of 2023, a motion was filed to consolidate all the cases against Bard into a Mass District Litigation (MDL). Although Bard opposed the motion for making the case an MDL, there is a court date set for July 27, 2023, for a panel of federal judges to hear the arguments for case consolidation.
Although the cases are all for the same main product, Bard has argued that different cases focus on different models of the implantable device and so would not benefit from consolidation into an MDL. The manufacturer also claims that they have had little trouble settling previous cases in a timely manner, averaging around 18 months for each case.
Victim Compensation
There have been no public records that disclose the amount or coverage of a settlement against Bard, including the few cases Bard claims to have settled privately. If you have been injured by the Bard PowerPort implanted device, a settlement can help cover the costs of any doctor appointments, hospital stays, or other medical expenses as well as lost wages and your general pain and suffering.
There are several common factors that can help determine what sort of settlement you can get during a court case, including how severely you were medically impacted, what medical bills you accrued, and how much wages you lost.
Let Van Law Attorneys Help Your Case
If you are not sure if you qualify for a case against Bard for their PowerPort device, consult one of the experienced attorneys at the Van Law Firm. Our legal team can help go over the qualifiers for a case against Bard and will offer you a free consultation to go over the facts of your case.
Do you or someone you know suffer as a result of a problem with the PowerPort’s catheter tubing or any other side effect? Do not hesitate to call and let us start preparing your case for you. Our legal team will work to get you the highest settlement on your case. Do not wait to begin your case. Let us help earn you the justice and fair compensation you deserve by giving us a call today for your free consultation.
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