When medical devices fail, the consequences can be devastating. Thousands of patients who received Bard PowerPort implants are now facing serious health complications that could have been prevented. As these complications mount, many victims are filing lawsuits against Becton Dickinson, the device’s manufacturer, to seek justice and compensation for their suffering.
What Is the Bard PowerPort and How Does It Work?
The Bard PowerPort is an implantable device designed to provide repeated access to your bloodstream without multiple needle sticks. Healthcare providers implant this small port beneath your skin, typically in the chest area, with a catheter that connects to a major vein.
Medical staff can administer medications, chemotherapy, and nutrition, and draw blood samples through a special needle inserted into the port. The port can be accessed hundreds of times during its implantation period, making it an attractive treatment option for cancer patients and others requiring frequent intravenous treatments.
Defects and Dangers Associated with the Bard PowerPort
The Bard PowerPort catheter is made of a polyurethane material called Chronoflex AL, which contains a mixture of polyurethane and barium sulfate. This material has been linked to device failures. The barium sulfate particles can break away from the catheter, making it susceptible to fracturing and migrating throughout your body.
When you receive medication through the port, the injection flow creates pressure against the plastic tubing. This pressure, combined with the defective material, can cause the tubing to fracture. Bacteria may build up in these small cracks, leading to infections, and plastic fragments can eventually enter your bloodstream.
These fragments may cause life-threatening complications including:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Blood clots
- Punctures in the heart
- Pulmonary embolisms
- Ruptured blood vessels
Some Bard PowerPort patients have reported symptoms such as breathing difficulties, confusion, drainage at the port site, fever, inflammation, and swelling. According to the lawsuits, Becton Dickinson may have concealed thousands of reports citing injuries caused by the device. Because the company failed to warn patients and providers about these dangers, many people are now paying the price.
Compensation Available to Victims Injured by the Bard PowerPort
If you have suffered qualifying injuries from a defective Bard PowerPort, you may have grounds for legal action. Dangerous medical devices can have a profound impact on your life, health, and financial well-being. When manufacturers fail to produce safe medical devices or warn about potential dangers, they can be held accountable for the harm their products cause.
Working with an attorney at Estey & Bomberger can help victims protect their rights and secure compensation. A successful lawsuit can provide the financial resources necessary for your recovery while sending a message that patient safety must come first. You can recover several types of damages in a Bard PowerPort claim, including:
- Medical expenses for past and future treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Schedule Your Free Case Review and Start Your Legal Journey
If you have experienced complications from a Bard PowerPort, you need a specialized Bard PowerPort lawsuit attorney in your corner. At Estey & Bomberger, LLP, our attorneys are dedicated to holding manufacturers accountable for their dangerous devices. We know what it takes to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (800) 260-7197 for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your potential claim.