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Bard Powerport Lawsuit Attorneys

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The healthcare industry has evolved by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. New devices are being introduced continually that help to improve the care and management of health conditions. However, some of these devices have ended up causing harm to patients. One such device is the Bard PowerPort. Below, we take a look at this device and the lawsuits surrounding it.

What is the Bard Device?

The Bard PowerPort, also known as the Bard Port is a port catheter device. It is designed to be implanted beneath the skin and act as a port that gives easy access to the patient’s bloodstream. These devices are used widely for blood transfusions, in chemotherapy and for administering IV medications.

The Bard Port is beneficial in cases where patients require repeated treatment such as the case in chemotherapy. It reduces the need for repeated insertion of needles. It is not only convenient for healthcare workers but also ensures comfort for patients. The device is often placed in the arm or chest.

What’s Wrong with the Bard PowerPort Device?

The Bard PowerPort device was initially introduced in the US market in 2000 after approval for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The device has since enjoyed a majority market share of about 70 percent and its use has become widespread.

While the device was designed to ease discomfort and increase efficiency and accuracy in treatment, there have been reports of various problems arising from defects related to the device. Some of the issues highlighted include:

  • Device fractures – there have been instances where the device has fractured. This has led to pieces breaking off and traveling within the bloodstream to various parts of the body resulting in serious health concerns.

  • Infections – There is an increased risk of infections at the implantation site or within the bloodstream. This can potentially lead to severe sepsis.

  • Thrombosis – there have been reports of blood clots forming around the port or within the catheter. These clots can cause blockages that can disrupt treatment as well as cause further medical complications.

  • Migration – The device may move or shift from its original placement. This can result in malfunctions, discomfort or the need for additional surgeries to reposition the device.

Other issues reported include irregular heartbeat, hemorrhaging or bleeding, persistent or severe pain and the buildup of fluid in the heart.

Injuries Linked to the Device

There have been several serious injuries reported by patients that are linked to the design defects of the Bard PowerPort devices. These include:

  • Perforations of organs, vessels or tissues

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

  • Pulmonary embolism

  • Cardiac arrhythmia

  • Sepsis

  • Extravasation

  • Pain

  • Necrosis

Who are the Manufacturers?

Bard PowerPort is just one of many catheter devices manufactured and distributed by Bard Access Systems, Inc. This company is a subsidiary of Becton, Dickson and Company (BD), a global medical technology firm. The company has an extensive history in the medical device industry.

What are the Bard PowerPort Lawsuits about?

The Bard PowerPort lawsuits are centered on claims that the manufacturers of the Bard PowerPort devices failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks associated with the device. The plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers of the device were aware or should have been aware of the potential of the device to cause harm due to design or manufacturing defects. Key points of the lawsuits include:

  • Negligence: The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of the device were negligent in the design, testing and marketing of the device leading to dangerous defects. The use of barium sulfate in the medical devices compromises the integrity of the device. Exposed particles of barium sulfate contribute to damage of the device including micro fractures and fissures. The manufacturers are accused of misrepresentation of their devices by marketing the Bard PowerPort as being safe.

  • Failure to warn: The claims against Bard and BD allege that the manufacturers did not provide sufficient warnings about the risks and potential complications of using the PowerPort. The manufacturers knew or should have known of the risks associated with the use of their product and warned patients and healthcare providers of these risks.

  • Breach of warranty: The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers breached implied or expressed warranties by producing a device that did not meet safety expectations.

  • Product liability: The lawsuits claim that the inherent defects in the PowerPort render it unsafe for its intended use.

Who May Join the Bard PowerPort Lawsuits?

If you or a loved one was harmed as a result of the use of a Bard PowerPort device, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation. Those eligible to file lawsuits must have:

  • Received a PowerPort device

  • Experienced health problems or complications rela0ted to the use of the device

  • Incurred damages including medical bills, emotional distress and physical pain related to the adverse effects of the device.

Contact us to learn more about this lawsuit and whether you are eligible to join the lawsuit.