Implantable port devices like the Bard PowerPort™ and Angiodynamics SmartPort® were designed to make long-term medical treatment easier. But for many patients, these devices have caused serious, even life-threatening complications. From catheter fractures to bloodstream infections and embolisms, reports of harm are growing, and so are lawsuits.
If you or a loved one experienced unexpected injury from an implanted port, you may be entitled to compensation. At Constant Legal Group, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take action against the companies responsible.
What Is a Port Catheter?
A port catheter, also known as a port-a-cath or an implantable port, is a totally implantable venous access device, commonly used in patients undergoing long-term treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis, or frequent blood draws. These ports are surgically implanted under the skin and connected to a vein to allow repeated, easy access to the bloodstream.
Brands like Bard PowerPort (by BD/Becton Dickinson) and the Angiodynamics SmartPort are among the most widely used devices. While these ports are intended to improve patient comfort and reduce repeated needle sticks, they have been linked to serious complications, many of which users say they were never warned about.
Why Is There a PowerPort Lawsuit?
The lawsuits against Bard, Angiodynamics, and other manufacturers focus on defective design and failure to warn. Specifically, patients and their attorneys allege:
- Catheter fractures that cause pieces to break off and migrate through the bloodstream
- Infections due to micro-cracks or material degradation
- Blood clots or embolisms caused by device malfunction and design
- Cardiac or pulmonary complications from fractured catheter pieces
- Painful or failed treatments, including repeat surgeries to remove broken devices
Many people argue that if they had known about the risks, they would have chosen an alternative treatment method or demanded closer monitoring.
The FDA has issued recalls and safety alerts in recent years involving certain implantable port models, but for many patients, the damage was already done.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, other potential side effects and complications of port catheters include:
- Blockages in the port or catheter.
- Blood clots in the catheter or vein.
- Collapsed lung (known as pneumothorax).
- Cracked ports.
- Dislodged catheter tips.
- An air bubble in a blood vessel (known as an embolism).
- Blood that pools in the space between your chest wall and lungs (known as a hemothorax).
Is There a Class Action or MDL for Port Catheter Injuries?
No, there is no class action lawsuit against Bard PowerPort or any other port catheter. However, as of 2024, a federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) has been formed for Bard PowerPort lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. Dozens of cases have been consolidated, and more are being filed across the country. In early 2025, Angiodynamics lawsuits were consolidated in an MDL in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
At Constant Legal Group, we are actively monitoring the MDL process and representing patients who’ve experienced severe complications from these implantable ports. One of our attorneys, Ryan Cavanaugh, was appointed by both MDL judges to the leadership committee to help represent the plaintiffs’ who have cases filed into the MDL.
Do I Qualify to File a Port Catheter Lawsuit?
You may qualify if:
- You were implanted with a Bard PowerPort, Angiodynamics SmartPort, or similar device
- You experienced complications such as catheter fracture, infection, embolism, or organ damage
- You required revision surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing medical care
- You were not adequately warned of these risks
Even if the device was implanted years ago, you may still have legal options, especially if you only recently discovered the injury or defect.
Our team at Constant Legal Group can help review your medical history, identify the port model used, and assess your eligibility for a claim.
Why Hire Constant Legal Group for Your PowerPort Lawsuit?
Constant Legal Group has a long track record of fighting for victims of defective medical devices. We have a deep understanding of how these cases work, and we’re already involved in MDLs related to PowerPort litigation.
A Proven Record of Results
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for people harmed by dangerous devices and negligent corporations. From cancer-causing products to unsafe implants, we’ve held manufacturers accountable for putting profits over people.
- Ryan Cavanaugh recently secured an $8.2 million verdict against a major chemical company. He has extensive experience in mass torts involving dangerous drugs and medical devices.
- Constantine “Dean” Venizelos brings decades of experience in asbestos, pharmaceutical, and device litigation. He has also served in top legal roles for federal and mass tort cases.
Trusted Leadership in High-Stakes Cases
Our team includes attorneys appointed to leadership committees in nationwide MDLs, including the ongoing Bard PowerPort litigation. We know what it takes to win complex cases against billion-dollar companies, and we’ll bring that experience to your claim.
Get Started on a Port Catheter Lawsuit Today
If you or a loved one suffered serious health issues after receiving an implantable port, now is the time to speak with an attorney. Legal deadlines apply, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case may be.
Reach out to Constant Legal Group today for a free, confidential case evaluation. We’re here to help you get the answers, support, and compensation you deserve. Call us or fill out our secure online form to get started.
A History of Port Catheter and Bard PowerPort Lawsuits and FDA Action
- 2019–2023: Numerous adverse event reports submitted to the FDA involving Bard PowerPort catheter fractures and infections
- 2020 FDA Safety Communication: Highlighted the risk of catheter embolization and fracture and issued a Class 2 recall for three Bard PowerPort models
- 2023: Lawsuits filed against Bard in multiple states
- 2024: Federal MDL formed in Arizona to consolidate Bard PowerPort cases
- Ongoing: Attorneys anticipate hundreds or even thousands of cases as more patients come forward
It’s a surgically implanted device used for long-term IV access, commonly during chemotherapy or chronic illness treatment.
They can be, especially if they fracture, leak, or become infected, leading to serious internal injuries or blood clots.
Lawsuits claim the manufacturers failed to properly design the devices and didn’t adequately warn patients about the risks.
No class action exists, but lawsuits have been consolidated into a federal MDL in Arizona for efficiency.
Contact Constant Legal Group for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, medical records, and guide you through every step. There are no upfront fees.
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