Port-a-Caths are designed to make difficult medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or long-term IV therapy, easier and more comfortable for patients. However, thousands of patients who received the Bard PowerPort have reported that the device did the exact opposite—causing life-threatening internal injuries when the catheter failed.

At TheLawFirm.com, we are investigating claims that the Bard PowerPort contains a fundamental design defect that puts patients at risk of device breakage, migration, and severe infection.

What is the Problem with the Bard PowerPort?

The primary issue involves the material used to manufacture the catheter tubing, a mixture known as ChronoFlex AL. This material consists of polyurethane and barium sulfate.

Lawsuits filed in 2025 and 2026 allege that the concentration of barium sulfate is too high, which can make the plastic tubing brittle over time. When the catheter becomes brittle, it is prone to:

• Fissuring and Cracking: Small cracks form on the surface, which can harbor dangerous bacteria.
• Catheter Fracture: The tubing can snap or break entirely while inside the patient’s vein.
• Fragmentation/Embolization: Broken pieces of plastic can travel through the bloodstream and lodge in the heart or lungs.

Serious Complications Linked to PowerPort Failure

When a Bard PowerPort fails, the results are often a medical emergency. Our firm is currently reviewing cases involving the following complications:

2026 Litigation Status: Bellwether Trials Underway

The litigation against the manufacturer, Becton Dickinson (BD) and its subsidiary C.R. Bard, is currently centralized in a federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3081) in Arizona.

Key Updates for March 2026:

• First Trial Date: The first “bellwether” trial—a test case to determine how juries view the evidence—is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2026. This case involves a plaintiff who suffered a severe infection requiring surgical removal of the device.
• Ongoing Filings: As of early 2026, over 3,000 lawsuits have been consolidated in the MDL.
• Expert Testimony: The court recently ruled that key scientific experts can testify about how the material defects in the PowerPort are directly linked to these injuries, a major win for plaintiffs.

Eligibility: Do You Have a Claim?

If you or a loved one had a port-a-cath implanted for medical treatment and subsequently suffered a serious injury, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

You may qualify if:

1. You had a Bard-branded PowerPort (or similar Bard port device) implanted.
2. The device fractured, migrated, or caused a severe infection requiring hospitalization or emergency surgery.
3. The injury occurred while the device was implanted or shortly after its removal.

Note on Recalls: While there have been minor “safety notifications,” the Bard PowerPort has not been fully recalled for these specific fracture issues. This means many patients are still at risk today without knowing their device could be defective.