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During treatment, chemotherapy patients may receive a port catheter or chemo port to help deliver medication. Some patients have reported that their port catheter has failed during chemotherapy treatments. Signs of chemo port failure include swelling or pain at the incision site or trouble accessing the port. While port catheters are designed to make chemotherapy safer and easier, they can be a source of serious complications if they malfunction.
This blog aims to help readers understand how chemo port failures happen, why people have filed lawsuits related to chemotherapy port catheter failures, and how patients can identify what type of port catheter they have implanted if they suspect a failure.
In order to deliver medications more effectively, chemotherapy patients may have a port catheter implanted. The catheter or chemo port is a small device that is implanted under the skin and connected to a vein, usually in the chest area just above the breastbone. The chemo port delivers chemotherapy directly to the bloodstream without the need for a needle stick. The device is meant to make it possible for a patient in active chemotherapy treatment to receive multiple medications without the need for multiple needle sticks. Patients can also receive multiple medications and have less risk of tissue damage with a chemo port.
Port catheters are one of several ways that a patient may receive chemotherapy. It is often chosen when longer courses of treatment are necessary. Ports are considered a more permanent option and can be accessed over long periods of time.
According to legal documents, patients have reported serious complications potentially related to their chemo ports. These complications include device failure, migration, and fracturing. Other reported problems include an increased risk of blood clots, sepsis, medication leakage, and thrombosis. Patients have also suggested that commonly used port catheters contain a defective design related to the materials that are used, which makes them prone to breaking down.
A legal complaint filed on behalf of metastatic anal cancer patient Jacqueline Hiatt alleges that a port‑a‑cath device implanted to deliver chemotherapy medications caused serious complications. Hiatt’s lawsuit states that the device’s use of barium sulfate contributed to a severe infection by weakening the catheter, causing it to crack and fracture and release foreign material into her bloodstream. According to the complaint, she required hospitalization, IV antibiotics, surgical removal of the port, and implantation of a second device to continue treatment.
Chemo port complications can be particularly devastating because they may disrupt critical treatment or require additional surgeries. A patient who suffers a complication or port catheter-related injury may have to pause or delay infusions. Due to the potential for harm, chemotherapy patients are strongly encouraged to report any new or worsening symptoms to their treatment provider.
One of the main concerns raised by patients is that the material used in port catheters may make them more prone to failure. Studies show, and complaints allege, that barium sulfate is frequently added to catheter tubing.
According to published research, imaging of these devices shows that barium sulfate particles can separate from the catheter, causing surface irregularities. Complaints in the port catheter litigation allege irregularities, specifically weak points, can cause the catheter to crack or fracture in the body. The rough spots or pitted areas caused by these particles can also make it easier for bacteria to form, creating a biofilm, and leading to infection. A 2024 study found that 60 to 70% of hospital-acquired infections were linked to biofilms.
Device failure during chemotherapy treatment is a recurring theme across current port catheter litigation. Multiple manufacturers are facing allegations that their port catheters failed during chemotherapy treatment. Patients across the country have reported serious complications potentially related to the chemo port they had implanted at the time of treatment. In broader port catheter litigation, there are thousands of actions filed against major manufacturers. A common allegation among these lawsuits is that the devices were prone to fracture, migration, or infection.
Medical device manufacturer ICU Medical, formerly Smiths Medical, is currently facing lawsuits alleging its port catheters failed during treatment. Similar allegations have been filed against other manufacturers, driving litigation against Bard PowerPort and AngioDynamics.
Chemotherapy patients are often unsure of which port catheter was used during treatment. Many people may not know the name or manufacturer of their device. The best way to identify what device was used is by requesting a copy of your medical records. The surgical records, operative report, implant log, or hospital discharge paperwork should contain details about which device was used, including the brand, model, and lot number. Patients can also request an implant card if one was issued. If these options are unavailable, the oncologist or treating physician who placed the port may be able to retrieve the device information for the medical chart.
Current port catheter litigation includes lawsuits related to the:
Being unaware of the device that was implanted or its manufacturer does not prevent a patient from learning more about their legal options. Individuals who believe they suffered a port catheter complication are encouraged to consult with an attorney.
Suffering a port catheter complication during chemotherapy treatment can be particularly difficult. In some cases, it may delay infusions or result in the need for additional surgeries and treatment. Patients who have experienced complications are encouraged to research ongoing litigation to determine if they may be eligible to take legal action.
Wisner Baum continues to investigate and accept port catheter cases involving multiple manufacturers. Consultations are free and without obligation to retain the firm. Not all patients will be eligible to file a lawsuit. Eligibility depends on the individual circumstances of the case. A consultation can help determine whether a patient meets the criteria to file a claim. Chemotherapy patients who suffered harm potentially related to their chemo port can contact the firm today at (310) 207-3233 to schedule a confidential case evaluation.
