Implanted Port Injuries – Defective Product Lawyers
At Shaw Lewenz, our attorneys are dedicated to helping anybody who has suffered an injury due to issues associated with implanted port devices, commonly referred to as a port catheter, chemo port and port-a-cath. Recent allegations of injuries stemming from the malfunction of port-a-cath, including ruptures, fractures, and migrations have led to over a dozen lawsuits nationwide.
The lawsuits currently in question have named several major corporations as defendants, all of whom were actively involved in the design and sale of PowerPort implants. Among these are Bard Access Systems, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, and C.R. Bard. The central allegations brought forth against these companies indicate that they deliberately misrepresented the safety of the port devices.
These lawsuits contend that the defendants were negligent in the design, marketing, distribution, and sale of these products. What’s even more troubling is the claim that these corporations were either aware, or should have been reasonably expected to know, that the PowerPort devices they were promoting were not safe for consumers.
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What Is A Port-A-Cath/Implanted Port?
The port-a-cath or an implanted port is an access device designed to offer seamless, repeated access to the vascular system, enhancing the treatment experience. From delivering chemotherapy to managing pain, the implanted port plays a pivotal role in various treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Long-term antibiotic therapy for conditions like osteomyelitis and endocarditis
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- IV Immunoglobulin Therapy
- Blood transfusions
- Hemodialysis
- Plasmapheresis
- Infusion of biologic agents for chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease
- Pain management
BruceBlaus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It’s implanted beneath the skin on the chest or arm and is essential for therapies requiring direct access to the bloodstream. Catheters are crafted from soft plastic. This design ensures the catheter’s tip remains concealed, although a small lump might be visible on the skin where the port is implanted.
Image by Freepik
What Are The Common Risks & Complications With Implanted Ports?
There’s growing concern that the catheters were manufactured using subpar materials − specifically with the material known as Chronoflex AL., and recommended safety guidelines may have been overlooked. Such oversights can compromise the durability of the catheter, leading to potential breaks, fractures, or misplacements. Fragments from a fractured catheter might journey through the bloodstream and pose risks of damaging vital organs like the lungs or heart.
Moreover, there are suggestions that some port-a-caths might be prone to leakage, which can inadvertently release fluids, including chemotherapy drugs, into the surrounding chest cavity. Such leakages could be a precursor to grave infections like MRSA and sepsis, or even lead to necrosis of the skin tissue, causing it to decay and darken.
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Reported Injuries Linked to Implanted Ports:
Although these devices are intended to provide efficient and continuous access to the vascular system, they’re not without their risks. From the device’s very own instructions for use, we understand that potential complications can range from minor to severe, with some even being life-threatening.
In some instances, patients have experienced everything from bloodstream infections and embolisms to deep vein thrombosis. Notably, PowerPorts have multiple reports of the device fracturing, sometimes leading to serious vascular damage and infections.
As more studies study the risks of implanted ports, it becomes evident that while these ports are beneficial, they also have many life-threatening risks such as:
- Blood infections
- Cardiac punctures
- Hematomas
- Hemorrhage
- Sepsis and other infections
- Lacerated blood vessels
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Organ or tissue perforation
- Pericardial tamponade
- Pulmonary embolism
- Thromboembolism (blood clots)
Glynda Rees Doyle and Jodie Anita McCutcheon, from Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cancer Research UK, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Interested In Filing A Lawsuit?
Submit your details using the form on this page. It’s free to contact us, and you’re not committed to taking any legal steps after understanding your rights.
What Damages Could I Claim For An Implanted Port Injury?
Injuries from defective medical devices can entail a range of consequences, both economic and emotional. Victims have the right to pursue compensation for various damages:
- Medical bills: Treatment costs incurred due to the injury.
- Lost wages: Income lost while recuperating.
- Emotional pain and suffering: Compensation for the psychological trauma and physical pain endured.
In assessing compensation, it’s crucial to account for past and future costs. This will require expert analysis to determine potential future medical needs. The injury’s impact on the quality of life will also factor into the compensation amount.
People are filing lawsuits after experiencing serious injuries after being implanted with a Bard PowerPort.
Submit your details using the form on this page. It’s free to contact us, and you’re not committed to taking any legal steps after understanding your rights.
What Names Are Used for Port Catheters?
Navigating the complexities of a port catheter lawsuit can be challenging, especially when terminology varies across the field. Port catheters, a critical component in many medical treatments, exemplify this challenge with their multitude of names:
- Port-a-cath
- Port catheter
- Central venous access devices
- Totally implantable venous access device
- Subcutaneous central venous catheters
- Implantable venous access ports
- Subcutaneous central venous ports
- Central venous port systems
- Implantable venous access system
- Venous port system
- Rapid central venous access
- Central venous system
If you suspect you’ve been injured due to a port catheter, no matter its name, seeking the expertise of our qualified attorneys is crucial to investigating and representing your potential claim .
How Do I Join The Implanted Port Class Action Lawsuit?
This isn’t a class action. Given the significant harm port-a-cath injuries can inflict, they necessitate individual cases. Class actions generally cater to minor grievances affecting a large group.
For seeking compensation for a port-a-cath injury, contact our office to see if you qualify for an individual lawsuit. We offer free case evaluations.
Choosing The Right Product Liability Law Firm
Our team specializing in port-a-catheter product liability lawsuits is not only proficient in understanding the complex legal landscape but also deeply attuned to the distress victims and their families undergo. We recognize that dealing with the aftermath of complications from medical devices like the port-a-catheter can be daunting— especially when facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. We stand by our clients, offering both legal guidance and emotional support during these challenging times.
Our dedication to our clients has garnered us a reputation for compassion, attentiveness, and unwavering commitment to seeking justice. This dedication is reflected in the high praise we receive from our clients and fellow legal professionals.
From your initial contact with us, you will experience nothing but respect and genuine care. We prioritize keeping you updated throughout the legal process, addressing your concerns promptly, and offering straightforward advice. We understand the unique challenges faced by those dealing with port-a-catheter complications and are dedicated to easing this trying phase of their lives.
We are not just here to win cases; we are here to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients.
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If you or a loved one have experienced complications from an Implanted Port, Port-a-Cath, or ChemoPort such as Migration, Rupture, or Fracture, or a Serious Infection, you may be eligible for Financial Compensation.