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Steve Kherkher - April 7, 2025
The Bard PowerPort, an implantable port catheter designed for patients requiring frequent or long-term intravenous treatments, has recently come under scrutiny due to reports of device failures leading to serious injuries. Patients and their families have initiated lawsuits against the manufacturer, alleging that PowerPort catheter defects are the result of design and manufacturing errors.
In the article below, the product liability attorneys at Kherkher Garcia explore the nature of PowerPort catheter defects. We will discuss the potential injuries, the legal landscape surrounding the lawsuits, and steps victims can take to protect their rights.
The Bard PowerPort is a type of implantable port catheter placed beneath the skin to facilitate easy access to veins for medical treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and long-term IV medication delivery. The device consists of a small reservoir (the port) connected to a flexible catheter that delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. Its design aims to reduce the need for repeated needle sticks, thereby improving patient comfort during treatment.
Despite its intended benefits, the Bard PowerPort has been associated with several significant defects:
The catheter component of the PowerPort has been reported to crack or break apart. This fragmentation can lead to catheter pieces migrating through the bloodstream, posing risks of embolism or damage to vital organs.
Instances have been documented where the entire device or its components shift from the original implantation site. Such migration can result in vein perforation, heart damage, or pulmonary embolism.
The material composition of the PowerPort, particularly the use of barium sulfate, has been linked to an increased risk of severe infections. These infections can escalate to sepsis or endocarditis if not promptly addressed.
The design of the catheter may contribute to the formation of blood clots, leading to conditions such as DVT, which can have life-threatening consequences.
Fractured or migrated catheter components have the potential to puncture veins, the heart, or other organs, necessitating emergency surgical interventions.
Victims and their families report suffering physical, financial, and emotional harm from these side effects.
The defects associated with the Bard PowerPort have led to a range of serious injuries among patients, including:
In response to these adverse events, numerous patients have filed lawsuits against Bard and its parent company, Becton, Dickinson and Company. These lawsuits are grounded in several legal theories.
As of February 2025, over 1,000 cases were pending in federal court, consolidated into Multi-District Litigation (MDL) No. 3081 in the District of Arizona under Judge David G. Campbell. Bellwether trials are anticipated to commence later this year, which will serve as test cases to gauge jury responses to evidence and potentially influence settlement discussions.
If you or a loved one has experienced complications related to a Bard PowerPort, consider the following steps to safeguard your rights:
One of the most beneficial steps that victims and their families can take after any product injury is to contact an attorney. A skilled product liability attorney can help victims understand their legal rights and pursue compensation, if applicable.
If you or someone you love suffered complications from PowerPort catheter defects, taking legal action can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Medical device injury cases are complex, often involving detailed medical records, expert testimony, and extensive litigation against large corporations with powerful legal teams. For these reasons, it’s crucial to work with an experienced product liability attorney who understands the legal, medical, and technical aspects of your case.
Product liability lawsuits involving medical devices like the Bard PowerPort are not the same as a typical personal injury claim. They require in-depth investigation, medical analysis, and the ability to prove that the device was defective in design, manufacturing, or warnings. An attorney with experience in this area can help by:
Victims of PowerPort catheter defects may be entitled to financial compensation for:
The amount of compensation available varies based on the specifics of each case, but many victims are pursuing justice through the courts in hopes of holding the manufacturer accountable and recovering their losses.
At Kherkher Garcia, our legal team is actively investigating Bard PowerPort cases and assisting victims nationwide. We have extensive experience handling defective medical device lawsuits and a track record of success against large medical device manufacturers. If you or a loved one suffered an injury related to a PowerPort catheter – such as infection, blood clots, embolism, or device fracture – our attorneys are ready to review your case at no cost.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. Don’t wait – your time to file a claim may be limited.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free and confidential consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and healing. Call us at 713-333-1030 to get started now. You can also submit our online contact form to request a consultation and more information.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.
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