The Bard PowerPort is a small device implanted under the skin to help people get treatments like chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, or blood transfusions. It makes it easier for doctors to give these treatments through a vein without having to use needles all the time. Needles, as we know, can cause the patient some pain or discomfort.
The Bard PowerPort was approved by the FDA in 2000. It’s made from a mix of polyurethane and silicone and has a special ingredient called barium sulfate to make it show up better on scans.
Unfortunately, there have been a few issues with this device, and some of these issues have led to lawsuits and ongoing discussions about its safety and effectiveness. If you or someone you know has had issues with this device, you should consider checking your eligibility to file a Bard PowerPort lawsuit.
Keep reading to find out more about how the Bard PowerPort works, what could go wrong, and what you should know if you’re considering legal action.
Uses of the Bard PowerPort
Here are some ways the Bard PowerPort helps people:
- For patients battling cancer, the PowerPort makes chemo treatments a lot easier.
- If you have a stubborn infection, the PowerPort can help deliver the antibiotics you need.
- For people who can’t eat normally, the PowerPort can provide essential nutrients.
- If your kidneys aren’t working properly, the PowerPort can help with dialysis.
- Blood transfusion is easier when these devices are used in the process.
- If you have a long-term illness that requires IV medicine, the PowerPort can help.
- For kids who need lots of treatments, the PowerPort can make things less stressful.
- People taking part in medical studies might also use the PowerPort.
Design and Manufacturing Issues with Bard PowerPort
Even though the Bard PowerPort is meant to help with medical treatments, it has some serious problems because of its design and how it was made.
The device is made from a mix of polyurethane and silicone, with barium sulfate added to make it easier to see in imaging tests like X-rays. But this mix has caused several issues.
The Bard PowerPort can break, and pieces of it might move through the bloodstream. This can lead to major health problems. Sometimes, the catheter can move from where it was put in. This can block blood flow and might cause infections or damage to organs.
Furthermore, the materials in the device can break down and form tiny cracks over time. This makes the device weaker and more likely to fail.
What Happens If the Bard PowerPort Fails?
When the Bard PowerPort fails, it can lead to serious health issues. Here’s what might happen:
- The device might get infected, either where it was put in or throughout the body.
- Broken or moved parts of the PowerPort can cause blood clots. These clots can block blood flow and might lead to strokes or other serious problems.
- If the PowerPort moves or breaks, it can harm blood vessels inside the body, which might cause bleeding or damage to the heart.
- Patients might need more surgery to fix the issues, like removing broken pieces or replacing the device.
Lawsuits Against Bard PowerPort’s Manufacturer
Due to the serious problems caused by Bard PowerPorts, patients are suing the manufacturer, Bard Access Systems, Inc. (which is part of Becton, Dickinson and Company), for failing to warn about the risks and for the faulty design and production of the device.
In August 2023, all these lawsuits were combined into one big legal case, known as multi-district litigation (MDL) number 3081. This makes it easier to handle all the complaints. Judge David G. Campbell is in charge of this case.
Here are some recent developments from 2024:
- August 15, 2024: A woman named Jennifer Lynn Davidson from Louisiana filed a lawsuit (Davidson vs. Becton, Dickinson, and Company) because her Bard PowerPort broke and caused serious fracturing.
- August 1, 2024: A woman named Prentice sued Becton, Dickinson and Company (the company that makes Bard PowerPorts) in April 2023. She said that her Bard PowerPort broke and moved after it was implanted in January 2022 for chemotherapy, and she had to have emergency surgery to fix it. Other people who have used Bard PowerPorts have also been hurt, with some experiencing bleeding, organ damage, and even heart problems.
- July 24, 2024: There are now 299 cases in the MDL, up from 69 in January.
- July 14, 2024: A meeting was scheduled for August 16, 2024, to talk about the MDL’s progress, including gathering evidence and updates on the cases.
If you think you might have a case, now is a good time to talk to a lawyer who specializes in product liability to understand your options and take legal action.
