Bard IPC (Powerport) Lawsuit

When a PowerPort catheter fractures or separates, pieces can travel through the bloodstream to vital organs, potentially causing serious health risks:

• Blood clots (thromboembolism)
• Severe infections or sepsis
• Need for emergency surgery
• Death, in severe cases

Additionally, port failures can interrupt critical medical treatments, particularly devastating for patients receiving cancer therapy.

You must have used one of these 25+ models to be eligible for a lawsuit:

• Bard M.R.I. Implantable Port
• Bard M.R.I. Low-Profile Implantable Port
• Bard Titanium Dome Implantable Port
• Bard Titanium Implantable Port
• M.R.I. Plastic Dual Lumen Port
• M.R.I. Ultra SlimPort Implantable Port
• Peritoneal Titanium Port
• PowerFlow Implantable Apheresis IV Port
• PowerPort ClearVUE isp Implantable Port
• PowerPort ClearVUE Slim Implantable Port
• PowerPort duo M.R.I. Implantable Port
• PowerFlow Implantable Port
• PowerFlow isp Implantable Port
• PowerFlow isp M.R.I. Implantable Port
• PowerFlow M.R.I. Implantable Port
• PowerFlow Slim Implantable Port
• PowerPort VUE M.R.I. Implantable Port
• PowerPort VUE Titanium Implantable Port
• SlimPort Dual-Lumen RosenblaƩ Implantable Port
• Titanium Low-Profile Port
• Titanium SlimPort Implantable Port
• Vaccess CT Low-Profile Titanium Power-Injectable Port
• Vaccess CT Power-Injectable Implantable Port
• X-Port isp M.R.I. Implantable Port
• X-Port Low-Profile Titanium Port

First, review any documentation you received at the time of your procedure, which may include the device's model and serial number. If you can't find that, you can contact your healthcare provider or the facility where the implantation was performed to obtain this information.

Once you have the model and serial number, you'll figure out the device and compare it to the list above. If you are unsure or need assistance, consider reaching out to a legal professional who can help verify whether your device is included and advise you on the next steps.

Three main types of complications may qualify:

1. Port catheter fractures

   To qualify, the fracture must have occurred at least 30 days after implantation. The strongest cases typically demonstrate:

   • Placement in the internal jugular vein rather than subclavian vein.
   • Port/catheter indwelling period of at least two years.
   • Surgical removal (explantation) following the injury.
   • Documented serious injury/significant damages.
   • Patient BMI under 40.
   • Patient was not overly physically active.
   • Patient was either a non-cancer patient or had early-stage cancer.
   • In cancer cases, disease progression occurred due to treatment interruption caused by the fracture.

2. Device-related infections

   The strongest infection-related claims must meet these criteria:

   • Infection diagnosed between 60 and 180 days after implantation.
   • Confirmed catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) diagnosed by treating physician.
   • Medical records explicitly linking infection or sepsis to the port/catheter.
   • Diagnosis supported by pathology, laboratory, or culture test results.
   • Device was surgically removed after infection, with documented improvement/resolution following removal.
   • Infection caused significant damages or complications.
   • Port was not used for Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
   • Patient did not access port independently at home.
   • No history of illicit drug use.
   • Patient was not severely immunocompromised or immunosuppressed.
   • No prior medical history of sepsis or bacteremia.
   • No other clear alternative cause for the infection.

3. Blood clots (thrombosis)

   The strongest thrombosis-related claims must meet these criteria:

   • Diagnosis/evidence of catheter occlusion or embolization.
   • Injury occurred between one week and six months after the implant.
   • Occurrence of pulmonary embolism, deep-vein thrombosis, or stroke.
   • Patient experienced significant damage requiring hospitalization or lifetime anticoagulation.
   • Port/catheter was not used for TPN.
   • Patient has no personal or family history of hypercoagulable state or hypercoagulability disorder.
   • Medical records identify the port/catheter as the cause of thrombosis.
   • Patient was a non-cancer case (particularly important for colorectal and breast cancers).
   • In cancer cases, disease progressed due to treatment interruption caused by the thrombosis.

To proceed with legal action, claimants should provide comprehensive medical records that demonstrate two key elements: confirmation of having received a malfunctioning Bard IPC device and evidence of qualifying complications.

Medical device records include:

• Surgical records confirming implantation of a qualifying Bard IPC device.
• Device model and serial number information.
• Documentation of device placement location (internal jugular vs. subclavian vein).
• Records of device removal surgery, if applicable.

Injury documentation includes:

• Medical records detailing specific complications (fracture, infection, or thrombosis).
• Documentation of treatment interruptions and additional procedures.
• Records of ongoing medical care and long-term effects.
• Evidence of work absences or disability.

Victims may receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future), including emergency medical treatment
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Revision surgeries
• Ongoing care needs

The final compensation amount will vary based on several factors, including the severity and duration of complications, impact on daily life and work, the patient's age, and the patient's prior health status.

We understand how challenging this situation is for you and your family.

Contact Rolshouse Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation today. Our experienced medical device attorneys will carefully review your case details, evaluate your medical records, and determine if you qualify for compensation. We're here to help, and we handle all Bard IPC cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.