When you are battling cancer, a port catheter is supposed to be a tool of mercy. It is implanted to spare you the pain of repeated needle sticks and to deliver life-saving chemotherapy efficiently. You trust this device to help you heal.

However, emerging reports and lawsuits allege that specific port devices—specifically the Bard PowerPort—contain a design flaw that makes them prone to degrading, cracking, and causing life-threatening internal injuries.

If you or a loved one suffered a port failure, it likely wasn’t just “bad luck.” It may have been a defective device.

The Core Defect: Why Are These Ports Failing?

The lawsuits against Bard allege that the catheter tubing (often made of a material called Chronoflex) is not durable enough for the internal environment of the human body. Over time, rather than remaining flexible, the material may become brittle.

When the catheter degrades, it can snap, fracture, or develop micro-cracks. This isn’t just a mechanical issue; it allows bacteria to harbor deep inside the device or causes pieces of the tube to break off and travel through the bloodstream.

4 Warning Signs of a PowerPort Failure

According to current litigation criteria, these are the primary complications that suggest your device may be defective.

1. Catheter Fracture (breakage)

This is the most dangerous complication. The tubing can snap off from the reservoir.

• The Risk: Fragments of the catheter can migrate to the heart or lungs, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism or cardiac puncture.
• The Symptom: You might not feel the break immediately, but you may experience chest pain, palpitations, or your doctor may notice the device is no longer functioning during an infusion.

2. Migration

The device moves from its original implant site.

• The Symptom: The port feels “loose” under the skin, has shifted to an uncomfortable position, or causes pain in the neck or shoulder area.

3. Serious Infection (Sepsis/Hospitalization)

Infections can happen with any surgery, but defective ports may cause infections that are resistant to standard treatment because the bacteria are hiding inside the micro-cracks of the fractured tubing.

• Qualifying Criteria: We specifically look for infections that were severe enough to require hospitalization or the surgical removal of the device.

4. Thrombosis (Blood Clots)

The rough surface of a degrading catheter can trigger the body to form clots.

• The Symptom: Swelling in the arm or neck, redness, or pain near the implant site.

Do You Qualify for a Bard PowerPort Claim?

Not every port complication qualifies for a lawsuit. The criteria are specific to the device type and its usage.

At Nigh Goldenberg, we are reviewing cases that meet the following strict checklist:

1. The Right Timeline

The device was implanted after approximately 2015. (Older devices may not be part of this specific litigation regarding the Chronoflex material).

2. The Right Usage (Chemotherapy)

The port must have been used for cancer treatments or similar intravenous therapies.

• Exclusion: We are not currently accepting cases where the port was used for Dialysis or TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition).

3. The Injury

You must have suffered one of the specific complications listed above:

• Fracture/Breakage
• Migration
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Serious Infection requiring hospitalization
• Perforation of a vein or organ

What Should You Do Now?

If you suspect your port caused your injury, do not throw away any evidence.

1. Preserve the Device: If you are scheduled to have the port removed (revision surgery), ask your surgeon if the device can be preserved as evidence rather than discarded as medical waste.
2. Check Your Medical Records: Look for the “Implant Log” or “Device Sticker” in your records. You are looking for brand names like Bard PowerPort, Bard SlimPort, or similar Bard models.
3. Contact Us: Product liability laws have strict statutes of limitations (deadlines). It is critical to review your case early.

[Button: Free Case Evaluation for Bard PowerPort]

FAQ: PowerPort Lawsuits

How do I know if I have a Bard PowerPort?

Most patients don’t know the brand name of their device. This is normal. If you experienced the injuries listed above, our team can help order your medical records to verify the manufacturer.

What if my doctor told me the complication was a “known risk”?

Doctors are trained to list risks, but they are often unaware of manufacturing defects. Even if you signed a consent form, that form does not give the manufacturer permission to sell you a defective product. You may still have a case.

Does this cost me anything upfront?

No. Nigh Goldenberg operates on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict for you.