Published by If you or a loved one used an implanted catheter device and later experienced complications such as infection, blood clots, device fracture, device migration, embolism, or internal injury, you may be eligible for legal review through a Cardiac Catheter Lawsuit.
Our legal team offers a free, no-obligation consultation and accepts representation on a contingency-fee basis.
Table Of Contents
- What’s the Problem?
- Latest Updates
- Product & Usage Overview
- What Injuries Are Reported in Catheter Litigation?
- Medical Malpractice vs. Product Liability
- Do You Qualify for a Cardiac Catheter Lawsuit?
- Legal Theories & Liability Grounds
- Statute of Limitations & Timing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why You Should Act Now
- References
What’s the Problem?
Catheter-related lawsuits typically arise when a device fails in the body or when a catheter-based procedure results in avoidable harm. In product-liability cases involving implanted port catheters, the core allegation is that a defect or design issue can cause the catheter component to weaken, fracture, migrate, or malfunction, leading to serious medical complications that require additional procedures, prolonged treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
Latest Updates
- January 2026 – More than 2,500 active lawsuits were pending in the federal Bard PowerPort implanted port catheter multidistrict litigation (MDL 3081) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, and bellwether trials were scheduled to begin in 2026. [1]
Product & Usage Overview
Implanted port catheter systems are placed under the skin and connected to a catheter that enters a vein. They are commonly used when patients need repeated vascular access for treatments such as infusions. Litigation involving implanted ports focuses on how the catheter component performs over time under normal clinical use conditions.
What Injuries Are Reported in Catheter Litigation?
Serious complications alleged in implanted port catheter lawsuits include major infections and clotting events. The injury profile described in active PowerPort litigation includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and device-related complications tied to fracture, migration, and malfunction.
Medical Malpractice vs. Product Liability
Not all catheter claims are product cases. Some lawsuits focus on the medical care itself—such as whether a catheter procedure was performed safely, whether imaging and monitoring were appropriate, and whether complications were recognized and treated promptly. Product-liability cases focus on whether the catheter device was defective or unreasonably dangerous when sold, whether risks were adequately warned, and whether safer designs or materials were available.
Do You Qualify for a Cardiac Catheter Lawsuit?
You may want a legal evaluation if one or more of the following apply:
- You had an implanted port catheter device placed and later experienced a device failure event, such as suspected fracture, migration, or malfunction.
- You experienced complications after catheter placement consistent with serious infection or clotting events that required hospitalization, anticoagulation, surgery, device removal, or long-term follow-up care.
- You incurred measurable losses, including medical expenses, lost income, disability impacts, or other documented damages tied to the complication.
- You have records that identify the implanted device and document the treatment course.
Evidence You Should Gather
- Implant and operative records identifying the catheter/port brand and model.
- Hospital and outpatient records documenting symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment timeline.
- Imaging reports (X-ray, CT, ultrasound) addressing catheter position, migration, fracture, thrombosis, or embolic events.
- Infection workups, cultures, antibiotic treatment records, and sepsis-related documentation if applicable.
- Device removal (explant) records and pathology reports, if a device was removed.
- Billing statements and proof of wage loss or other economic damages.
Damages You Can Recover
Recoverable damages depend on state law and the facts of the case, but may include:
- Medical expenses: emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, device replacement or removal, anticoagulation therapy, and follow-up care.
- Lost wages: missed work and diminished earning capacity where complications cause long-term impairment.
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, functional limitations, and emotional distress associated with serious complications.
- Out-of-pocket costs: transportation, caregiving, and other incident-related expenses.
- Wrongful death damages: where a catheter-related complication results in death (availability varies by jurisdiction).
Legal Theories & Liability Grounds
Depending on the facts, catheter cases are commonly evaluated under legal theories such as:
- Design defect: allegations that the catheter component is prone to weakening, fracture, or migration under expected conditions.
- Failure to warn: allegations that risk information provided to physicians and patients was inadequate for safe clinical decision-making.
- Negligence: allegations tied to reasonable care in design, testing, monitoring of adverse events, and risk communication.
- Medical malpractice: allegations tied to procedural errors, inadequate monitoring, or delayed treatment of complications (case-specific).
Statute of Limitations & Timing
Deadlines for filing product-liability and medical malpractice claims vary by state and may depend on when the injury occurred and when the cause was reasonably discoverable. If you suspect a catheter complication is linked to a device failure or procedural error, preserving records early and seeking legal guidance promptly can help protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a difference between an implanted port catheter case and a cardiac catheterization malpractice claim?
Yes. Implanted port cases typically focus on device performance and failure mechanisms over time, while cardiac catheterization malpractice claims focus on whether the procedure and follow-up care met the standard of care. - What is an MDL and why does it matter?
A multidistrict litigation (MDL) consolidates federal cases for coordinated pretrial proceedings. Bellwether trials may help both sides evaluate strengths and support settlement discussions. - What should I do if I believe a catheter device caused harm?
Request your implant records and related medical records, document your timeline and symptoms, and preserve any device identification information while discussing your situation with qualified counsel.
Why You Should Act Now
Catheter-related complications can escalate quickly and may lead to repeat procedures, prolonged treatment, and lasting health impacts. If you experienced a serious complication tied to an implanted catheter device or a catheter-based procedure, a legal review can clarify whether your situation is best evaluated as a product-liability claim, a medical malpractice claim, or both, and what documentation is most important to support your case.
References
- https://www.consumernotice.org/legal/bard-powerport-lawsuits/