While effective, these devices are known to malfunction and leak medicine into the body at an uncontrolled rate. As a result, patients become susceptible to infections.Ā
Defects in TIVAD Ports that have led to lawsuit
In many defective TIVAD ports, the catheter is made of silicone mixed with barium sulfate. This combination allows it to be seen on an X-ray. However, the problem is that barium sulfate may degrade the strength of the silicone over time, causing the device to break or leak. Additionally, the locking mechanism between the port and the catheter can also leak. TIVAD lawsuits allege that the companies were aware of design defects but failed to address the defects.
As a result of this defective design, when the implanted device is broken, it leaks medication. Because this isnāt supposed to occur, it is a defective medical device.Ā
Totally Implanted Ports or TIVAD ports can cause serious injury or death when they leak.Ā