The Bard PowerPort is an implantable venous access device used primarily for chemotherapy patients. Plaintiffs allege the device is defectively designed using Chronoflex polyurethane that degrades and fractures inside the body, causing catheter fragments to migrate to the heart, lungs, or bloodstream. MDL 3081 was formed in Arizona in 2023 and is in active discovery with thousands of plaintiffs.
Chronoflex AL polyurethane used in the catheter is alleged to degrade over time, becoming brittle and fracturing. Fragments can migrate to the heart or pulmonary arteries, causing life-threatening complications. Design defect and failure-to-warn are the primary theories. Internal Bard documents showing knowledge of the degradation issue are key causation evidence.
MDL 2641 involves Bard PowerPort implantable port catheters alleged to fracture and migrate, causing serious injury. Active discovery. Bellwether selection underway. BD (Becton Dickinson) is the defendant following acquisition of Bard.