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Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter Separation
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pinkvanillarose posted:
Anyone else out there currently have a BARD Power Port implanted for chemo, nutrition or fluid replacement? Couple of weeks ago, I suffered a catheter separation from the port body. My surgeon tried to retrieve the catheter and failed. Sent me to interventional radiology where the radiologist went first into my groin trying to retrieve the "foreign body" the catheter had now become...but the catheter moved into my heart causing severe chest pain requiring nitroglycerin and morphine. Finally (after 3 hours) the catheter was retrieved through my jugglar vein. I went through this procedure without sedation with the exception of a small dose of Versed administered about 2.5 hrs in. I feel all my physicians acted absolutely appropriately and did everything they could to help me. I can't get past the port coming apart, however. I continue to dream vividly about this experience and I can truly say that that day was one of the worst of my life. (I am disabled, and have endured many medical procedures, a colostomy etc and am NOT squeemish about medical stuff at all, but this disaster REALLY overwhelmed me) I am trying to decide whether or not I should contact the company and file a complaint about the device. My surgeon told me that all of the surgeons in our area, as well as our hospital have all decided to stop using these port devices as of approx a month ago because there has just been SO many problem with the ports physically. I have since learned that a different lot and ref number of this same med port was actually recalled earlier in the year due to catheter malfunction. If you have one of these devices be proactive about your circumstance and be wary. I am afraid that if I pursue this further with the company that my doctors will fear legal complications with me and will not want to treat me any further. I have never filed a complaint or anything against anyone or any other company. I'm feeling so frustrated over this that I guess I just needed to vent and I didn't know where to go to do that. If this is not the right place for me to do so, I apologize, just feeling lost about it all.

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If you have or have ever had a BARD Power Port Device, have you experienced complications?
  • Yes I experienced failure of the port due to device malfunction.
  • Yes I experenced difficulty with access and blood return.
  • No I experienced no problems.
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50 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationAnyone else out there currently have a BARD Power Port implanted for chemo, nutrition or fluid replacement? Couple of weeks ago, I suffered a catheter separation from the port body. My surgeon tried to retrieve the catheter and failed. Sent me to interventional radiology where the radiologist went first into my groin trying to retrieve the "foreign body" the catheter had now become...but the catheter moved into my heart causing severe chest pain requiring nitroglycerin and morphine. Finally (after 3 hours) the catheter was retrieved through my jugglar vein. I went through this procedure without sedation with the exception of a small dose of Versed administered about 2.5 hrs in. I feel all my physicians acted absolutely appropriately and did everything they could to help me. I can't get past the port coming apart, however. I continue to dream vividly about this experience and I can truly say that that day was one of the worst of my life. (I am disabled, and have endured many medical procedures, a colostomy etc and am NOT squeemish about medical stuff at all, but this disaster REALLY overwhelmed me) I am trying to decide whether or not I should contact the company and file a complaint about the device. My surgeon told me that all of the surgeons in our area, as well as our hospital have all decided to stop using these port devices as of approx a month ago because there has just been SO many problem with the ports physically. I have since learned that a different lot and ref number of this same med port was actually recalled earlier in the year due to catheter malfunction. If you have one of these devices be proactive about your circumstance and be wary. I am afraid that if I pursue this further with the company that my doctors will fear legal complications with me and will not want to treat me any further. I have never filed a complaint or anything against anyone or any other company. I'm feeling so frustrated over this that I guess I just needed to vent and I didn't know where to go to do that. If this is not the right place for me to do so, I apologize, just feeling lost about it all.
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Byroney_WebMD_Staff responded:
Dear pinkvanillarose,

I am sorry to hear of your terrible experience. Unfortunately, there are no doctors on this board.

I would suggest consulting with a lawyer if you decide you want to pursue it legally. Before deciding how your doctors will react, you may want to speak with him/her/them and see how they would feel if you went after the company you feel created the situation. I hope you can have open and honest conversations with him/her/them.

Finally, I would also strongly urge you to seek some counseling. That was a very traumatic experience for you as you describe it, and a good therapist or counselor can help you work through it. The hospital you were in may have a patient advocate who could recommend someone.

In support,

Byroney
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. ~Will Rogers
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationDear pinkvanillarose,<br /> <br />I am sorry to hear of your terrible experience. Unfortunately, there are no doctors on this board.<br /> <br />I would suggest consulting with a lawyer if you decide you want to pursue it legally. Before deciding how your doctors will react, you may want to speak with him/her/them and see how they would feel if you went after the company you feel created the situation. I hope you can have open and honest conversations with him/her/them.<br /> <br />Finally, I would also strongly urge you to seek some counseling. That was a very traumatic experience for you as you describe it, and a good therapist or counselor can help you work through it. The hospital you were in may have a patient advocate who could recommend someone.<br /> <br />In support,<br /> <br />Byroney
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somarylandjs responded:
Dear pinkvanillarose:

My wife has several chronic health conditions and for three years has relied on a Hickman-type central venous catheter for nutritition, hydration, and medication. So - we're familiar with the benefits and drawbacks. One drawback is the risk of line sepsis; in early August her Hickman double-lumen line became infected and had to be replaced. This time a BARD PowerLine Port was installed. Last Saturday one of the external lumens failed - we're not certain of the precise failure mechanism but the end cap appeared to separate from the line - it never actually broke off but there was steady dripping where the end cap and line join. We clamped the line and called the Vascular Surgeon. We saw him in his office on 15 Sept., and scheduled surgery today (17 Sept) to remove the PowerLine Port and implant a Hickman. Last night (the night before surgery) the second lumen failed - its mode of failure appeared to be the same as the first. It's now 6 PM Friday, 17 Sept.; my wife had her new double-lumen Hickman installed today; and today's procedure went well. The remaining concern now is infection - when each of those ports failed fluid leaked out, meaning of course that external contaminants could have gotten in.

BTW, the poll allows you to select only one response. My wife's Power Port definitely malfunctioned, and that's the response I selected; but from the time it was first installed blood return was problematic - four out of five weekly blood draws were possible only after TPA was administered.

We're sorry to hear about your experience. Like you we're in a quandary - we'd sing praises of our Doctors to anyone who asks, but what can you say about a piece of hardware with these problems? I'm an Engineer with a full career of experience in Test & Evaluation. What kinds of tests and analyses was BARD required to perform, before they were allowed to put this equipment on the market?
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationDear pinkvanillarose:<br /> <br />My wife has several chronic health conditions and for three years has relied on a Hickman-type central venous catheter for nutritition, hydration, and medication. So - we're familiar with the benefits and drawbacks. One drawback is the risk of line sepsis; in early August her Hickman double-lumen line became infected and had to be replaced. This time a BARD PowerLine Port was installed. Last Saturday one of the external lumens failed - we're not certain of the precise failure mechanism but the end cap appeared to separate from the line - it never actually broke off but there was steady dripping where the end cap and line join. We clamped the line and called the Vascular Surgeon. We saw him in his office on 15 Sept., and scheduled surgery today (17 Sept) to remove the PowerLine Port and implant a Hickman. Last night (the night before surgery) the second lumen failed - its mode of failure appeared to be the same as the first. It's now 6 PM Friday, 17 Sept.; my wife had her new double-lumen Hickman installed today; and today's procedure went well. The remaining concern now is infection - when each of those ports failed fluid leaked out, meaning of course that external contaminants could have gotten in.<br /> <br />BTW, the poll allows you to select only one response. My wife's Power Port definitely malfunctioned, and that's the response I selected; but from the time it was first installed blood return was problematic - four out of five weekly blood draws were possible only after TPA was administered.<br /> <br />We're sorry to hear about your experience. Like you we're in a quandary - we'd sing praises of our Doctors to anyone who asks, but what can you say about a piece of hardware with these problems? I'm an Engineer with a full career of experience in Test &amp; Evaluation. What kinds of tests and analyses was BARD required to perform, before they were allowed to put this equipment on the market?
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pinkvanillarose replied to somarylandjs's response:
Thank you, somarylandjs for your interesting reply to my post. I am sorry to hear of your wife's problems with her Bard port. Here is a link that might interest you. There was a recall of these ports in March of this year, tho not my serial or ref number.

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRes/res.cfm?ID=90222

I have now contacted an attorney with my MDs blessing regarding this matter. I am actually having PTSD regarding this incident. I am still suffering quite badly from anxiety and recurring nightmares. I, like your wife, am suffering from multiple medical issues at present, and have had TONS of procedures done including colostomy and stents placed in my renal arteries. I have never experienced any kind of after affects from those procedures. This thing with the port was a different animal all together. My attorney said he needs to establish the scope of the problem with these devices before he will take on my case. He currently has an RN reviewing all info and she indicated that if the device was made shoddily in a below par location then there would be a case, however if the problem is actually the design flaw of the device which is causing it to malfunction, the law says they cannot pursue compensation in that instance, so I'm waiting to hear back from them about all that. I hope your wife will do well with her new device and that she will be safe from returning infection. My Bard drained, as well, when it was in place. Best of luck to you both.
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationThank you, somarylandjs for your interesting reply to my post. I am sorry to hear of your wife's problems with her Bard port. Here is a link that might interest you. There was a recall of these ports in March of this year, tho not my serial or ref number.<br /> <br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRes/res.cfm?ID=90222">http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRes/res.cfm?ID=90222</a> <br /> <br />I have now contacted an attorney with my MDs blessing regarding this matter. I am actually having PTSD regarding this incident. I am still suffering quite badly from anxiety and recurring nightmares. I, like your wife, am suffering from multiple medical issues at present, and have had TONS of procedures done including colostomy and stents placed in my renal arteries. I have never experienced any kind of after affects from those procedures. This thing with the port was a different animal all together. My attorney said he needs to establish the scope of the problem with these devices before he will take on my case. He currently has an RN reviewing all info and she indicated that if the device was made shoddily in a below par location then there would be a case, however if the problem is actually the design flaw of the device which is causing it to malfunction, the law says they cannot pursue compensation in that instance, so I'm waiting to hear back from them about all that. I hope your wife will do well with her new device and that she will be safe from returning infection. My Bard drained, as well, when it was in place. Best of luck to you both.
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leahquestions responded:
wow, I am sorry you had to go through that..how awful... i am gearing up for chemo on friday all day.. i think they're lot of incidences that's hard to get over in the hospital. you should remind the doctors that for one they work for you and it wasn't their fault about the catheter that was a manufacturers malfunction and even they should be reporting it. i don't think the docs give enough meds at times....but at least enough to make you still.......
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter Separationwow, I am sorry you had to go through that..how awful... i am gearing up for chemo on friday all day.. i think they're lot of incidences that's hard to get over in the hospital. you should remind the doctors that for one they work for you and it wasn't their fault about the catheter that was a manufacturers malfunction and even they should be reporting it. i don't think the docs give enough meds at times....but at least enough to make you still.......
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An_188166 responded:
On Oct 8 I had a bard Power port put in to recieve chemo.I went for my first Blood draw but the nurse could not access my port and had to have them try to get blood from my veins . they were not sucessful. I went for my first chemo session and they same result. I was sent to the hospital to interventional radiology to see what was wrong. The catherter was free floating in my chest and had detached from the hub.Emergency measures were taken to remove the foreign objec and replace the port . This is the fouth procedure I have had in a month It vary very frighting that this tube was floating in my chest.I informed the surgeon's office that did the original procedure ,but have not heard anything from them
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationOn Oct 8 I had a bard Power port put in to recieve chemo.I went for my first Blood draw but the nurse could not access my port and had to have them try to get blood from my veins . they were not sucessful. I went for my first chemo session and they same result. I was sent to the hospital to interventional radiology to see what was wrong. The catherter was free floating in my chest and had detached from the hub.Emergency measures were taken to remove the foreign objec and replace the port . This is the fouth procedure I have had in a month It vary very frighting that this tube was floating in my chest.I informed the surgeon's office that did the original procedure ,but have not heard anything from them
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RaesofHope responded:
Did not vote as options presented not appropriate; however, did want to report that I developed a DVT in my upper, non-dominant arm shortly after implantation of BARD PowerPort for chemotherapy and bloodwork. This has been very stressful as I am constantly concerned about it moving and about the effects of coumadin therapy. My final chemo treatment is this week and I am advocating for the earliest possible removal of this device. If anyone has had a DVT in their upper arm move, I would appreciate knowing about symptoms experienced prior to and during that event. Also, what was treatment?

Raesofhope
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationDid not vote as options presented not appropriate; however, did want to report that I developed a DVT in my upper, non-dominant arm shortly after implantation of BARD PowerPort for chemotherapy and bloodwork. This has been very stressful as I am constantly concerned about it moving and about the effects of coumadin therapy. My final chemo treatment is this week and I am advocating for the earliest possible removal of this device. If anyone has had a DVT in their upper arm move, I would appreciate knowing about symptoms experienced prior to and during that event. Also, what was treatment?<br /> <br />Raesofhope
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davedsel57 replied to RaesofHope's response:
Hello.

I was diagnosed with a huge DVT in my left leg on April 12, 1997. I was admitted, put on a heparin drip (IV) and then gradually switched to oral Coumadin. I was released from the hospital on April 19, 1997. The next morning, Sunday, April 20, 1997, I awoke at 2:00 am with terrible trouble breathing, chest pain and vomiting blood. I was rushed back to the hospital and diagnosed with a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in my left lung. Part of the large clot in my leg had broken off, traveled up the vena cava vein through my heart and lodged in my lung. They surgically inserted a Greenfield Filter into my vena cava through a tiny incision on the left side of my groin area and kept me in the ICU for 3 days to ensure my blood was properly anti-coagulated. I have been on an oral anti-coagulant since then and will be for the rest of my life.

While your DVT is in your arm, a PE would probably take a similar path. I think I have described fairly well the symptoms to watch for.

I pray your body naturally absorbs the DVT in your arm and you have no further complications.
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationHello.<br /><br />I was diagnosed with a huge DVT in my left leg on April 12, 1997. I was admitted, put on a heparin drip (IV) and then gradually switched to oral Coumadin. I was released from the hospital on April 19, 1997. The next morning, Sunday, April 20, 1997, I awoke at 2:00 am with terrible trouble breathing, chest pain and vomiting blood. I was rushed back to the hospital and diagnosed with a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) in my left lung. Part of the large clot in my leg had broken off, traveled up the vena cava vein through my heart and lodged in my lung. They surgically inserted a Greenfield Filter into my vena cava through a tiny incision on the left side of my groin area and kept me in the ICU for 3 days to ensure my blood was properly anti-coagulated. I have been on an oral anti-coagulant since then and will be for the rest of my life.<br /><br />While your DVT is in your arm, a PE would probably take a similar path. I think I have described fairly well the symptoms to watch for. <br /><br />I pray your body naturally absorbs the DVT in your arm and you have no further complications.
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fredoniamg responded:
I found this board while looking for information about the recovery time after having the Bard power port implanted. I had surgery a few days ago and I feel like the pain in my chest and shoulder have gotten worse. I have 4 days until I get my first treatment using it, so I am concerned. It is the weekend now or I would call the doctor's office. I now find myself concerned about the issues of separation mentioned here. I have various health problems and when something bad can happen, if often does to me. I will be checking back in to see how everyone is doing and if the hardware problem truly is a problem. Good luck to everyone.
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationI found this board while looking for information about the recovery time after having the Bard power port implanted. I had surgery a few days ago and I feel like the pain in my chest and shoulder have gotten worse. I have 4 days until I get my first treatment using it, so I am concerned. It is the weekend now or I would call the doctor's office. I now find myself concerned about the issues of separation mentioned here. I have various health problems and when something bad can happen, if often does to me. I will be checking back in to see how everyone is doing and if the hardware problem truly is a problem. Good luck to everyone.
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susiemargaret responded:
hello, all --

you might want to take a look at another thread on BARD ports -- http://forums.webmd.com/3/chronic-disease-and-disability-exchange/forum/817/1?@guest .

-- susie margaret
what good is gold, or silver too, if your heart's not good and true -- hank williams, sr.
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter Separationhello, all --<br /> <br />you might want to take a look at another thread on BARD ports -- <a href="http://forums.webmd.com/3/chronic-disease-and-disability-exchange/forum/817/1?@guest">http://forums.webmd.com/3/chronic-disease-and-disability-exchange/forum/817/1?@guest</a> .<br /> <br />-- susie margaret
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piii007 replied to pinkvanillarose's response:
Hello PinkVanillaRose- Could you please tell me how you are fairing with your attorney in seeking damages due to BART port failure? My husband's port is having to be 'replace' due to what I believe to be port failure. The port worked for the first chemo session but not the second. Thank you - my email address is Piii007@aol.com
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationHello PinkVanillaRose- Could you please tell me how you are fairing with your attorney in seeking damages due to BART port failure? My husband's port is having to be 'replace' due to what I believe to be port failure. The port worked for the first chemo session but not the second. Thank you - my email address is <a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:Piii007@aol.com">Piii007@aol.com</a>
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MARKFOTOE2 responded:
hello i also have had a bard port brake it went threw my heart and stopped in my right lower pulminary vein after months the figurde out a way to remove it evasively they tried to go threw to the groin 4 times without success currently i am seeking council looks like a maufacturing or design problem
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter Separationhello i also have had a bard port brake it went threw my heart and stopped in my right lower pulminary vein after months the figurde out a way to remove it evasively they tried to go threw to the groin 4 times without success currently i am seeking council looks like a maufacturing or design problem
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ddevil41 replied to MARKFOTOE2's response:
hey mark, I have a port made by angio dynamics called a vortex port just below my right collar bone. I haven't had any problem except sometimes they cant draw from it. I have a friend that had the same problem as you with her port breaking off and going through her heart, almost killed her, had to be rushed into surgery. sorry I dont know what kind of port hers was but will definitely ask her monday. I will post back when I know, Gary
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter Separationhey mark, I have a port made by angio dynamics called a vortex port just below my right collar bone. I haven't had any problem except sometimes they cant draw from it. I have a friend that had the same problem as you with her port breaking off and going through her heart, almost killed her, had to be rushed into surgery. sorry I dont know what kind of port hers was but will definitely ask her monday. I will post back when I know, Gary
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Geabs responded:
On Feb. 11 I returned to hospital to have my Bard port removed. On the removal, it was cracked, plugged and not all there. I was scheduled for emergency surgery after an X-ray revealed that the bottom of the port catheter was in my heart. This was a first for this well known hospital. It was successfully removed during the surgery of going up in my groin with TV scope and a lasso to retreive it. This was soo unexpected and tramatic. I ended up spending the night in the hospital so my heart could be monitored should I have suffered a heart attack or any ill effects from the port. Anyone with a Bard port should alert their doctor of these failures. I had chemo and herceptin due to breast cancer.
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationOn Feb. 11 I returned to hospital to have my Bard port removed. On the removal, it was cracked, plugged and not all there. I was scheduled for emergency surgery after an X-ray revealed that the bottom of the port catheter was in my heart. This was a first for this well known hospital. It was successfully removed during the surgery of going up in my groin with TV scope and a lasso to retreive it. This was soo unexpected and tramatic. I ended up spending the night in the hospital so my heart could be monitored should I have suffered a heart attack or any ill effects from the port. Anyone with a Bard port should alert their doctor of these failures. I had chemo and herceptin due to breast cancer.
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jebppr replied to Byroney_WebMD_Staff's response:
Dear pinkvanillarose: I am just experiencing what you went thru. On Jan,12, 2011, I had a Bard Power Port implanted and it has been nothing but pain and tragedy! My chemotherapy nurses can rarely access it. My infusion clinic refuses to try again. All my nurses and 2 doctors of Oncology say it is defective and dangerous and should be removed but the surgeons who implanted it are stone walling. Apparently if they remove it, it will be proven defective and they are very reluctant to have that happen! Strange! Sounds like they are much too cozy with this manufacturer! Bard refuses to talk to me or offer any assistance until I return the port to them. Now that is a clear admission of guilt! My nurses can never get a blood flow back and when then give up and remove the needle, it sprays blood all over then the bleeding cannot be stopped. I constantly have massive bruising,swelling, and discomfort. It stays swollen so bad the nurses cannot find the 3 nodules. My nurses said the possibility of bleeding is real and very dangerous but I can't get the port removed and Bard could not care less!
Report This| Share this:Traumatized by BARD Power Port Catheter SeparationDear pinkvanillarose: I am just experiencing what you went thru. On Jan,12, 2011, I had a Bard Power Port implanted and it has been nothing but pain and tragedy! My chemotherapy nurses can rarely access it. My infusion clinic refuses to try again. All my nurses and 2 doctors of Oncology say it is defective and dangerous and should be removed but the surgeons who implanted it are stone walling. Apparently if they remove it, it will be proven defective and they are very reluctant to have that happen! Strange! Sounds like they are much too cozy with this manufacturer! Bard refuses to talk to me or offer any assistance until I return the port to them. Now that is a clear admission of guilt! My nurses can never get a blood flow back and when then give up and remove the needle, it sprays blood all over then the bleeding cannot be stopped. I constantly have massive bruising,swelling, and discomfort. It stays swollen so bad the nurses cannot find the 3 nodules. My nurses said the possibility of bleeding is real and very dangerous but I can't get the port removed and Bard could not care less!
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