TIVAD Lawsuit Lawyers

What are TIVAD Ports?

TIVADs are a type of medical device that is implanted under the skin to deliver medication directly into the veins of a patient. They are commonly implanted in the following situations: 

• To ease access to hard-to-reach veins
• In cancer patients who need long-term chemotherapy treatments
• Patients suffering from serious pain as a result of ongoing intravenous chemotherapy
• Patients who require repeated blood samples, blood transfusions or other intravenous medications
• Patients who require intravenous feeding (parenteral nutrition)

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. 

Defects in TIVAD Ports

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 isn’t supposed to occur, it is a defective medical device. 

Totally Implanted Ports or TIVAD ports can cause serious injury or death when they leak. 

What are TIVAD Ports Defects?

As noted above, not all TIVAD ports are created equally. Some have defects, and others don’t have any issues at all. Further, of the devices that do have defects, not all are defective for the same reason. 

Defective Design From Materials

One of the more popular devices, the Vortex Ports, issues stems from the materials the device is made from. The combination of silicone and barium sulfate results in the silicone breaking down. Over time, this leads to the medication leaking from the device. 

Defective Locking Mechanisms

Port-a-cath devices contain a locking mechanism in which the device is supposed to control the speed and amount of how a patient receives a medication. However, there have been reports that the locking mechanism has a defect that allows the medication to flow into the body uncontrolled. This can be an especially dangerous situation if the patient is receiving chemotherapy. 

Cracking and Breaking

One of the more common defects is fracturing while the device is implanted in the patient. This is another risk where a patient may experience uncontrolled leaking. 

Migration

If a TIVAD implant breaks, the pieces of the device can migrate to different areas of the body. This can damage organs that the device may come into contact with. For example, if these pieces end up in the lungs or heart, it may lead to death. 

Surgical Removal

Many of these devices are not easily removed and require invasive surgery. This is true even in cases when there is no malfunctioning of the device.

If you or a loved one suffered any of the above from a TIVAD device, schedule a free consultation with a TIVAD Lawsuit Lawyer. Our team is easily accessible. Fill out a form or give us a call at 800-359-5690.

Port-a-Cath Recalls

TIVAD lawsuits are a relatively new development in the history of TIVAD ports. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first recalled port-a-cath devices in 2004. Since then, there have been several more recalls. 

Cook Medical’s 2017 Recall had the Same Negative Consequences Present Today

One of the largest port-a-cath recalls occurred in 2017 when Cook Medical recalled 31,000 Vital-Port Vascular Access Systems. According to the recall, the company identified that the Vital-Port could “cut or dislodge a core or sliver of material” when the non-coring needle is inserted. The alert goes on to say that the defect could have resulted in inadequate delivery of the medication and potential injury to the surrounding tissues.

Who Manufactures TIVAD Ports?

There are several brands of TIVAD in the United States. While many of these devices are prone to breakage and leakage, several are not associated with the defect. Check with your medical team to see if your device is part of the recall. 

Our TIVAD Lawsuit Lawyers are helping clients who have the following ports: 

• Bioflo Port by Angioflow
• Vortex Port by Angioflow
• Power Port by Bard
• XCELA
• Navilyst/Angiodynamics
• Medcomp
• Dignity Low Profile by CT Ports
• Duo Power Party by Bard
• Palpitation Points

If you are unsure of the type of TIVAD port you have but you suffered injuries, contact us at 800-359-5690. We will investigate to determine which device was installed to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

How to Join the TIVAD Lawsuit

The first step to joining the TIVAD lawsuit is to contact a qualified TIVAD Lawyer by calling 800-359-5690. The Carlson Law Firm’s team has been in several mass litigations and won clients millions of dollars. 

Next, our team will conduct an intake where we will gather information about your claim such as: 

• your medical provider’s name;
• where you received treatment;
• when your device was installed;
• the condition that was treated;
• the specific defect of the device that led to your injuries;
• if corrective surgery was required;
• and more.

Then our team will send you paperwork acknowledging that you’ve retained our law firm to represent you in a TIVAD lawsuit. Once you’ve signed this paperwork, we will gather evidence to build your claim. Evidence may include your medical records, documentation of lost wages and more. 

How Much Does a TIVAD Lawsuit Lawyer Cost?

Our TIVAD Lawsuit Lawyers do not charge any upfront fees. Consultations are free and we only collect payment if we successfully resolve your case.