Bard PowerPort Catheter Fracture and Migration

The Bard PowerPort was designed to improve the lives of patients who receive frequent intravenous treatments. This device facilitates access to a patient’s bloodstream so that healthcare providers can easily administer medicines and collect blood samples. However, reports of failures have surfaced among Bard PowerPort patients, with some people experiencing serious complications due to the device’s propensity to fracture and migrate.

Defective Materials Were Used to Make the Bard PowerPort

The Bard PowerPort consists of two main components: an injection port, which is placed under the skin to facilitate access for needles and repeated injections, and a catheter, a small, flexible tube that is installed into a central vein leading to the heart. The catheter is constructed from Chronoflex AL, a specialized form of polyurethane mixed with barium sulfate.

Barium sulfate was intended to strengthen the catheter, but this material choice has led to unintended consequences. Over time, the barium sulfate particles can detach from the catheter, weakening the device’s structural integrity. This degradation can cause the catheter to fracture or migrate away from its original placement.

Serious Injuries and Infections Caused by the Bard PowerPort 

The Bard PowerPort has been linked to a range of severe injuries and complications, causing serious harm to the patients who trusted in the device’s efficacy. These injuries have been primarily caused by fractures and migrations of the catheter:

• Catheter Infections: When fragments of a fractured catheter remain in the body, they can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to severe infections. Bacteria can also be introduced into the body through cracks in the catheter. If not promptly treated, these infections can spread, causing life-threatening conditions such as sepsis.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: Catheter pieces can cause blood vessel trauma, leading to the formation of blood clots within the veins. A serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop, which can be extremely painful. DVT may result in more serious complications if a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs.
• Hemorrhaging or Internal Bleeding: Sharp fragments of a broken catheter can puncture veins or arteries, leading to internal bleeding. This can cause rapid blood loss and require emergency medical intervention. Migrating catheter pieces can also perforate organs and tissues, causing significant internal damage.
• Cardiac Arrhythmia: If catheter fragments migrate to the heart, they can disrupt normal organ function, leading to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. This condition can be life-threatening without treatment.
• Pulmonary Embolism: A piece of the catheter that travels to the lungs can block a pulmonary artery and cause a condition known as pulmonary embolism. An embolism is often critical and can be fatal. 

Legal Action for Victims of Bard PowerPort Catheter Injuries

Bard PowerPort catheters, due to their faulty design and the materials used, have resulted in serious injuries and even life-threatening complications. Now, victims of these defective medical devices are working with product liability attorneys to file lawsuits against the manufacturers that were supposed to ensure their safety.

If you or a loved one have been harmed by a Bard PowerPort device, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Contact a Bard PowerPort lawsuit attorney to learn more about your legal options and begin your journey to justice. The specialized attorneys at Estey & Bomberger specialize in defective medical product cases and can help you seek compensation if you have been wrongly injured.