The Bard PowerPort device, manufactured by Bard Access Systems Inc. (Owned by Becton Dickinson and Company), is an implanted port device designed to provide vascular access and deliver medication directly into the bloodstream.
However, lawsuits filed against its manufacturer claim that the Bard PowerPort device may pose serious risks to patients due to potential catheter failures.
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has consolidated Bard PowerPort Lawsuits into the Bard PowerPort MDL.
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a special federal legal procedure designed to consolidate and expedite complex cases from various districts that involve similar issues or allegations.
Unlike a class action, in MDL, each case remains individual but is grouped together for pretrial proceedings to increase efficiency.
If you or a loved one used an implantable port device manufactured by Bard Access Systems and subsequently were injured, you may be eligible to file a Bard PowerPort Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Bard PowerPort Lawsuit instantly.
What is the Bard PowerPort Device Used For?
Port catheter devices serve a significant role in modern medical procedures.
The Bard PowerPort device is designed to withstand higher injection pressures compared to regular ports, making it suitable for rapid injection of certain fluids.
Key components of the Bard PowerPort device include:
- The Injection Port: Located underneath the skin, either on an arm or chest, this port facilitates easy injections. It’s made of a self-sealing material designed for multiple needle punctures.
- The Polyurethane Catheter: This flexible tube connects to the port and sits inside one of the large central veins leading to the heart. Medical professionals utilize a specialized needle, known as the PowerLoc needle, to access the bloodstream through the port. Once accessed, the device allows for the administration of medicines and fluids and the withdrawal of blood samples.
Material-wise, the Bard PowerPort catheters consist of a unique polyurethane material called Chronoflex AL.
Chronoflex AL is a blend of polyurethane and barium sulfate, which, under certain circumstances, may make the catheter prone to fractures and migrations.