Port catheters are devices healthcare professionals use to administer medications, take blood samples, and draw blood. Doctors place them under the skin on the right side of the chest but may also put them in other areas of the body, depending on the type of treatment. These catheters often feature a special intravenous line to lower the risk of puncturing veins and causing damage. However, they can result in serious health issues for patients.

If a faulty port catheter harms you or your loved one, contact Consumer Alert Now. Our team can connect you with medical and legal professionals to assist you in seeking legal recourse for your injuries.

What are Port Catheters?

Port catheters are totally implantable vascular access devices designed to provide vein access for long-term medical treatments. These devices have several names, such as chemo, IV, and subcutaneous implanted ports.

Port catheters have two main parts:

  1. The portal is made from self-sealing silicone. It is surgically placed under the skin and appears like a minor bump. Your healthcare provider can puncture it multiple times using a needle, which will still work perfectly.
  2. The catheter. This thin plastic tube connected to a portal fits into the central vein, like the jugular or subclavian. This system makes it easy to administer medications, blood products, nutrients, or fluids, as they are sent directly into your blood.

Uses of Implanted Ports

An implanted port is a beneficial medical treatment that needs regular vein access. They are often used for prolonged intravenous therapy. The common uses for these ports include:

  • Chemotherapy—Patients receiving chemotherapy need routine drug administration into the bloodstream. These ports offer a reliable way to dispense these medications.
  • Nutrition—Individuals who cannot eat normally or have absorption problems may need parenteral nutrition. This helps deliver nutrients into the patient's veins, and an implantable port makes this process easier.
  • Antibiotic therapy—Implanted ports help treat certain infections that require prolonged antibiotic therapy. They deliver antibiotics directly over a long period.
  • Blood transfusions—These ports can also facilitate blood transfusions. It makes the process smoother and more efficient.
  • Hemodialysis—In certain situations, doctors can use implanted ports for hemodialysis. This procedure helps clean blood in patients with kidney issues. However, medical professionals commonly prefer other access methods, like arteriovenous fistulas.
  • Routine blood draws—Certain conditions, such as cancer and diabetes, require regular blood draws for tests. Implantable ports provide a convenient way to collect blood samples.

What is the Safety of Port Catheters?

Recently, people have raised concerns about port catheters' safety because of various problems linked to them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled several port catheters due to design flaws that can lead to cracking, breaking, or moving inside patients' bodies.

Additionally, reports indicate that some port catheters can cause leaks and infections. These issues can lead to incorrect delivery of fluids and drugs into a patient's bloodstream.

Common Issues with Port-Catheter Placement

Health problems resulting from port catheters could happen anytime while in use. Still, studies indicate that the highest risk of infection occurs right after acquiring the implantable port appliance. These infections are a major concern after the procedure and can happen due to bacteria entering during the process or poor sanitary procedures.

An infection that occurs soon after placing a port does not lead to product liability lawsuits. However, the infections that appear much later might lead to lawsuits over design flaws.

Bleeding may also occur after or during the port's implantation. Incorrect positioning may injure blood vessels and lead to poor hemostasis. Excessive bleeding or hematomas can cause pain and swelling and affect the catheter's effectiveness.

  1. Risks of Catheter Fracture

TIVAD catheters can lead to severe harm or even death if they fracture or move within the body. It may happen due to poor design or if a catheter weakens from repeated bending.

When a catheter breaks, pieces can spread through the bloodstream, increasing the chances of severe issues such as:

  • Blood clots
  • Punctures in the heart
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Heavy bleeding

Design Flaws That Cause Port Catheter Fractures

Design flaws in port catheters could lead to fractures that harm patients. Here are some common issues that can cause these failures:

  • Material and flexibility issues—A catheter made from stiff material or lacking flexibility is likelier to break under stress. Flaws in the material or insufficient flexibility can weaken the catheter and increase fracture risk.
  • Poor catheter fixation—When the catheter is not secured properly in the port chamber, it can create stress points that make it more vulnerable to breaking. A design that lacks proper support can allow the catheter to move, increasing the chance of fracture.
  • Pinch-off event—Another cause of catheter fractures is a constriction between the clavicle and your first rib. Poor design or placement can pinch the catheter between the bones. Over time, this pressure weakens the catheter and causes it to fracture.
  • Length and positioning—The catheter's length and position in the body could also affect fracture risk. An overly long catheter or one that bends or twists can be more prone to fractures. Good design must consider the positioning and appropriate length to reduce this risk.

  1. Risks of Catheter Migration

Catheter migrations are rare but could cause serious issues. The catheter can detach from a port and migrate through the bloodstream to other delicate organs, like the heart. In such cases, urgent surgery is usually necessary to remove the catheter and prevent serious injury.

What Causes Port Catheters To Move?

The main reasons for catheter movement are:

  • Manufacturing issues—Some implantable catheters have design flaws that increase migration risk. These defects can cause leaks or cracks, allowing catheter parts to break off and move through the blood.
  • Surgical errors—Mistakes made during surgery, such as using too much force or causing accidental damage while inserting or handling a catheter, can lead to fracture. If your catheter fractures, it can move to different areas in the body.

Catheter Migration That Causes Pulmonary Embolism

Catheter migration can lead to serious cardiovascular issues for patients and raises the risk of pulmonary embolism. This condition occurs when blood clots clog arteries in the lungs, which can significantly reduce or completely stop blood flow. The consequences may include:

  • Poor blood circulation
  • Lower levels of oxygen in the bloodstream
  • Injury to your lungs or other vital organs due to lack of oxygen

  1. Risks of Infection with Port Catheters

TIVADs, unlike regular catheters, are designed to remain in their position for extended periods and need regular maintenance, including cleaning after or before use. However, some port catheters may trap viruses and bacteria, leading to blood infections. Such infections can arise from:

  • Inadequate sterile procedures—If your medical provider does not follow sterile procedures during catheter use or insertion, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis and serious infections
  • Catheter damage—Infections can also occur because holes or gaps in the port catheter allow pathogens to enter. These small openings are usually too tiny for the cells of your immune system to address, enabling the pathogens to cause severe blood infections that are hard to treat

Common infections linked to port catheters are:

  • Escherichia coli
  • Klebsiella
  • Candida
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Fungal infections

  1. Leaks From Port Catheters

Leaks from implantable port catheters happen when the catheter is broken or damaged, causing fluids to leak into a patient's body. It can be risky as it may disrupt medication delivery, lead to infections, and result in serious issues like tissue damage or blood clots. Patients with a leak might feel swelling, discomfort, and pain around the catheter area.

Catheter leaks occur because of different device flaws or mistakes during surgery, including the following:

  • Catheter disconnection.
  • Faulty valves
  • Catheter damage
  • Faulty locking mechanisms
  • Catheter blockage
  • Injection port failure
  • Improper or broken seals

Faulty Port Catheter Injuries and Side Effects

Poorly designed or incorrectly placed TIVADs could lead to significant problems for patients. Along with delaying essential and life-saving procedures, which can worsen conditions like cancer, faulty implantable port catheters can also result in:

  • Infections (septic shock or sepsis)
  • Internal bleeding
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fluid accumulation around the heart
  • Medication leakage into your body
  • Tissue or vessel perforations
  • Organ damage
  • Ongoing pain
  • Wrongful death
  • Emergency surgery

Which Port Catheters Have Patients Mentioned in the Lawsuits?

Several products have been mentioned in recent port catheter lawsuits, with claims of design flaws. These lawsuits suggest that the manufacturers prioritized profits over patient safety by hiding risks and not correctly informing patients or healthcare providers about possible issues with TIVAD devices.

Bard PowerPort Lawsuits

Most lawsuits in the U.S. focus on Bard PowerPort, which is filed against Becton Dickinson and its Bard subsidiaries. These lawsuits argue that the commonly used implantable port has a dangerously flawed design, increasing the chances of fractures, fissures, or cracks in the catheter. Such issues can lead to severe injuries, blood clots, infections, and even wrongful death.

Claims regarding Bard PowerPort fractures assert that the manufacturers were aware of the risks for years but did not fully reveal the severity of the problems. Cracks or fissures in the device can also allow bacteria to grow, raising the risk of infections. Instead of redesigning the product or recalling it, Bard has prioritized profits over the safety of patients.

Angiodynamics Smart Port

In recent years, AngioDynamics, Inc. has faced legal cases over Smart Port devices. These lawsuits claim that the catheters used in the Smart Port implantable venous access systems are susceptible to issues like cracking, fissuring, and infections due to flaws in manufacturing.

Similar to the PowerPort cases, plaintiffs argue that the catheters in Smart Port devices have high levels of barium sulfate particles. These result in overly thick silicone and improper mixing of the materials. The lawsuits suggest that AngioDynamics could have avoided these problems. They could have made design improvements to the SmartPort system. These changes can prevent catheter failures and serious injuries.

Smiths Medical Port Catheter

Smith Medical has also faced lawsuits for the Port Catheter device, a well-known implanted port. These legal actions claim the product has design flaws that make it vulnerable to fracturing and moving within a person's body.

Port Catheter Product Liability Lawsuits

Lawsuits for product liability against the manufacturers of port catheters can help individuals receive the financial compensation they need for injuries suffered, whether through a settlement or a court verdict. These lawsuits allow multiple users to combine their efforts to show that the implantable TIVAD was faulty and that this fault led to their injuries.

There are three main types of defects that can support a port catheter lawsuit:

  • Design defects—These are flaws in the product's design. To prove a design defect, users usually must show that a safer and practical alternative design is possible for the manufacturer.
  • Marketing defect/ Failure to warn—These complaints relate to insufficient instructions, warnings about possible risks, or misleading information given to consumers or healthcare professionals. To prove a failure to warn, plaintiffs must show that the manufacturer was aware or should have been aware of a risk, did not adequately inform users about it, and that this led to an injury.
  • Manufacturing defects—These happen when there is an error during production that makes the product unsafe. Proving a manufacturing defect in a port catheter case is less common. To do this, you must show evidence that someone made the product differently from its intended design. This difference must have made the product unsafe.

Port Catheter Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

When pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit related to port catheters, a plaintiff must establish that a healthcare provider acted irresponsibly and failed to meet the standard of care, which caused harm to the patient. Several factors can determine if issues with an implantable port of a cath can lead to a malpractice claim. These include the following:

  • Breach of Duty—You could sustain injuries if your healthcare provider did not follow accepted standards when installing, maintaining, or monitoring your implantable port. In this case, it may qualify as a breach of duty.
  • Proof of injury—You must show that you experienced harm or injury due to this breach. It can include physical injuries, emotional distress, extra medical expenses, or lost wages.
  • Causation—You should prove that your injury directly resulted from the healthcare provider's failure to meet their duty. In other words, would your injury have happened if the provider had followed the correct standard of care?

How Can You Tell If There is an Issue With the TIVAD Port?

You might notice several signs if there is a problem with the implantable port, including:

  • Pain—Feeling pain, tenderness, or discomfort near the port, especially during use, could indicate an issue
  • Fever—Experiencing chills or fever can indicate infections related to the port
  • Swelling or redness—Redness, warmth, or swelling on the skin over the port may suggest an infection
  • Challenges using the TIVAD port—If a healthcare provider struggles to flush or draw blood from your implantable port, it could mean an obstruction or the port catheter has shifted.
  • Fluid leakage—Any fluid leaking from your port catheter area is a warning sign that the system may not be working properly
  • Skin changes—Any changes, such as discoloration, unusual marks, or rashes, might indicate a problem.

Long-Term Effects of Port Catheter Issues

The complications from faulty port catheters can lead to significant consequences beyond just physical symptoms:

  1. Treatment delays—For many patients, especially those receiving cancer treatment, issues with their port can cause delays or changes in their treatment plans. It can reduce the effectiveness of their therapy.
  2. Impact on daily life—Ongoing pain, frequent infections, or the need for multiple surgeries can greatly affect a patient's quality of life, limiting their ability to work, participate in daily activities, or spend time with loved ones.
  3. Emotional strain—Unexpected problems with medical devices can cause considerable emotional stress. Patients may face:
    • Worry about upcoming treatments
    • Feelings of sadness due to longer hospital stays or extra procedures
    • Distrust in medical devices and healthcare professionals
    • Financial strain—Extra medical procedures and longer hospital stays can lead to high patient and family costs. They may also face job loss, adding to their financial burden.

Do You Qualify for a Port Catheter Lawsuit?

You can file a lawsuit if you or someone you know has suffered injuries or problems due to a faulty port catheter device.

To find out if you qualify, follow these steps:

Seek Medical Help

If you have symptoms or problems with your port catheter, seek medical care immediately. Your health is the most important thing.

Collect Evidence

Collect all important medical documents. These include:

  • Details about your port catheter placement
  • Any issues you have had
  • The treatments you have received

Such information is crucial for your potential lawsuit.

Talk to a Port Catheter Lawyer

You should speak with a lawyer who knows about medical device lawsuits. They can review your situation, explain your rights, and assist you through the legal process.

Evaluate Damages

Your attorney can guide you in assessing the damages you may have experienced from PowerPort issues. These include things like medical costs, emotional distress, lost earnings, and additional expenses.

Submit Your Claim

If you and your attorney feel confident about the case, you can start filing a port catheter lawsuit. Your attorney will manage all the legal elements on your behalf.

Legal processes can take time and be complicated. However, they are necessary to hold manufacturers responsible for the safety of their products. Be aware that there could be deadlines for filing a lawsuit, so you should act fast if you think you have a case.

Compensation Options For Port Catheter Lawsuits

You might qualify for financial compensation if you can prove that another person caused your port catheter problems or injuries. Compensation can help pay for your past and future losses caused by the faulty port catheter. It could also include additional damages if the court determines that the defendant was careless or reckless with others' safety. You may also be able to:

  • Receive compensation for medical costs. These include all medical expenses related to your situation, such as revision surgery, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and ongoing medical care.
  • Receive compensation for pain and suffering. Courts allow victims of defective medical products to claim non-economic damages, which cover physical pain, emotional distress, mental suffering, and a reduced quality of life due to the incident.
  • Receive compensation for lost wages could also be available. Many victims of a faulty port catheter have to take time off work for surgeries and recovery. Some may even be unable to return to their previous jobs because of temporary or permanent disabilities. These losses are often recoverable.

The total compensation you can receive will depend on how serious your injuries and losses are. Your legal options may include negotiating an insurance settlement, suing the defendant, or joining a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer. The ideal approach for you will depend on your specific damages and what you want to achieve with the lawsuit. Your attorney can also evaluate your case and give honest advice on how to move forward.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Lawsuit for an Implanted Port Catheter?

Major medical device manufacturing companies have their legal teams ready to defend against lawsuits. If you decide to file a lawsuit, you will be up against a powerful company with the resources to challenge your case.

You do not have to hire a lawyer to file a lawsuit for an implanted port catheter, but having one can make the process easier for you and your family. Your lawyer will handle the investigation and build your case. They will gather and review evidence and communicate with the manufacturer and their insurance.

With a lawyer on your side, you can concentrate on your recovery while they manage the legal details.

Find a Product Liability Mass Tort Near Me

If you believe a faulty port catheter has injured you or someone you know, contact the Consumer Alert Now. Our team works with legal experts and is ready to help clients affected by medications, products, and medical devices seek legal redress. We help victims across the country fight for the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 800-511-0747 to arrange a meeting with one of our representatives.