Bard PowerPort Complications

Injuries from Bard PowerPorts range from minor to severe, including bloodstream infections, pulmonary embolisms, hemorrhages and more. In some instances, patients have reported that the device may migrate from the implantation site or fracture, according to lawsuits. These complications have led to permanent injuries and even death.

Many patients are filing Bard PowerPort lawsuits for damages they received from the device. Family members of those who have died after using the Bard PowerPort have filed wrongful death claims. These lawsuits are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation.

The Bard PowerPort may lead to complications such as breathing difficulty, abnormal heart rhythms and more. The complications patients experience depend on their general health and the most serious complications are generally rare.

However, if the PowerPort is defective, it may fracture or migrate, causing serious injuries.

Complications from a Bard PowerPort may include signs of infections such as fever, confusion or inflammation. While some issues are reversible with treatment, others, such as kidney damage, are more permanent.

Serious complications of Bard PowerPorts involve issues that could indicate organ damage, such as abnormal heart rate and urinary changes. If a catheter fractures, fragments enter the bloodstream and can puncture organs and rupture blood vessels.

A defective Bard PowerPort is susceptible to bacteria, and infection can be a severe side effect. Without treatment, an infection in the bloodstream can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects the entire body.

Bard PowerPort Pinch-Off Syndrome

Another rare but serious Bard PowerPort complication is pinch-off syndrome. Pinch-off syndrome occurs when the catheter is pinched between the clavicle and the rib, blocking the tubing. Signs of pinch-off syndrome may include difficulty passing fluids through the catheter or drawing blood.

If medical providers suspect a pinch-off, they will check the catheter with an X-ray to confirm it. In cases of severe pinch-off or pinch-off that causes a device fracture, patients may require surgery to remove the catheter.

The most significant injuries caused by defective PowerPort devices are punctures to sensitive organs, such as the heart and kidneys. This type of injury can result in sudden organ failure, which can be challenging to treat.

Bard PowerPort complications involve damage to the implantable catheter device caused by high medication flow rates and brittle tubing, according to lawsuits. Patients who filed lawsuits allege the Bard PowerPort catheter is prone to fractures, which result in bacterial build-up and a loss of integrity.

A combination of the flawed material and degradation by bacteria leads to breakage in the catheter, according to lawsuits. During use, tiny plastic fragments break free into the bloodstream. These plastic shards can puncture blood vessels and sensitive organs.

As fractured pieces of the catheter travel in the bloodstream, they can damage and rupture blood vessels, causing bleeding. Depending on location, if this bleeding occurs in an artery that feeds a sensitive organ, such as the brain or lungs, it can be fatal.

Similarly, plastic fragments from defective devices can promote the formation of blood clots. When a blood clot forms within a blood vessel it is called thrombosis. An embolism occurs when a piece of the clot breaks off and travels elsewhere. In the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can make breathing difficult or painful. If not treated quickly, the loss of oxygen can result in death.

Reports also indicate that the Bard PowerPort can move or migrate from its implantation site. As it progresses, the flexible tubing attached to the device can cause damage while traveling out of the blood vessels. Depending on the severity of the injury, emergency surgery may be necessary to remove the device and prevent further damage.

You can prevent complications from a Bard PowerPort by being aware of the potential issues and talking with your doctor about possible complications. You can check the history of Bard PowerPort recalls and identify whether your device model has been affected.

Ask your provider whether your device has been recalled and whether it should be removed or replaced. Knowing the signs of Bard PowerPort complications could save your life.

If you have a Bard PowerPort, you are likely in active treatment and already see your doctor on a set schedule. However, if complications arise between your treatment cycles, you should know when to see your doctor outside of scheduled visits.

The sooner you see a doctor, the more likely they can reverse or prevent any further damage caused by a Bard PowerPort. Keep your provider’s emergency contact number available in case of a sudden severe issue, and have a plan if you need a ride to the hospital.