AngioDynamics Port Catheter Lawsuit

AngioDynamics, Inc. produces various port catheter systems, including LifePort and SmartPort, designed to enhance patient comfort during long-term intravenous (IV) treatments like chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, and routine blood transfusions. These medical devices allow healthcare providers to access a patient’s veins repeatedly without the ongoing discomfort and pain associated with frequent needle insertions. For many individuals, AngioDynamics' port catheters have played a crucial role in streamlining their treatments and improving their overall well-being. 

Despite their intended benefits, AngioDynamics port catheters have caused complications in some patients. Reports of severe complications—including infections, blood clots, catheter fractures, and device migration—have increased. In response, numerous patients have initiated legal action, seeking compensation for injuries linked to these allegedly defective port catheter devices. 

If you or a loved one has suffered complications from an AngioDynamics port catheter, you may have legal recourse. Understanding your rights is essential, and you could be eligible for financial compensation. The legal professionals at Lawsuit Legal News offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you explore your options for seeking justice.

What Are AngioDynamics Port Catheters?

Port catheters, commonly referred to as “ports,” are small medical devices implanted under the skin to provide long-term access to a patient's bloodstream. Physicians use implantable port catheter devices for patients undergoing frequent IV treatments, such as chemotherapy or dialysis. A port consists of a small reservoir, or “port chamber,” attached to a thin tube, or “catheter,” that connects to a large vein.

The port's primary function is to eliminate the need for repeated needle sticks, offering healthcare providers easy access to administer medications, draw blood, or deliver fluids. Once the port is implanted, a needle can be inserted through the skin into the port chamber, allowing for treatments to be delivered directly into the bloodstream with minimal discomfort for the patient.

AngioDynamics Port Catheter Models

AngioDynamics, along with its subsidiary Navilyst Medical, produces a variety of port catheters to meet different patient needs. The company’s main product lines include:

SmartPort Series:

  • SmartPort CT: Designed for power injections during CT scans
  • SmartPort LP: A low-profile version for easier implantation
  • SmartPort MP: A multi-use version for various medical treatments

Vortex Series:

  • Vortex LP: Another low-profile option
  • Vortex MP: Can be placed peripherally or in the chest
  • Vortex TR: Available in titanium and plastic, built for high-pressure injections
  • Vortex VX: Made from titanium with silicone catheters

While these devices are marketed as safe and convenient solutions for long-term IV access, many patients have reported serious complications after using AngioDynamics port catheters.

Complications Associated with AngioDynamics Port Catheters

Unfortunately, many individuals who rely on AngioDynamics port catheters for ongoing treatment have experienced significant medical issues. These complications can be life-threatening and often require immediate medical intervention. Common complications include:

  • Blood Clots: – A faulty catheter can disrupt blood flow, causing dangerous clots to form. If a blood clot travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke), the consequences can be fatal.
  • Catheter Breakage: – In some cases, the catheter tube can fracture or break. Fragments of the device may enter the bloodstream, potentially becoming lodged in veins or vital organs. Surgical intervention is often required to remove these broken pieces.
  • Device Migration: – Occasionally, a port catheter may shift from its intended location. This migration can interfere with the delivery of medication and may cause damage to nearby organs.
  • Infections: – If the port catheter becomes compromised, bacterial infections can occur. These infections may develop at the insertion site or spread into the bloodstream (sepsis), leading to life-threatening conditions if not treated promptly.
  • Material Weakness: – Over time, some catheters may degrade, increasing the likelihood of fractures, cracks, or other failures that could lead to serious health issues.
  • Vascular Damage: – Broken or displaced catheters can damage blood vessels, sometimes requiring emergency surgery to repair the injury.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: – If a catheter fragment enters the bloodstream and blocks an artery in the lungs, the patient may experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or even death if not treated quickly.
  • Sepsis: – Infections resulting from a faulty port catheter can lead to sepsis, a potentially fatal condition where the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ failure.
  • Internal Damage: – A displaced catheter can puncture veins or organs, causing internal bleeding and damage that often requires surgery.
  • Wrongful Death: – In some tragic cases, complications from AngioDynamics port catheters have led to patient deaths. Families who have lost loved ones due to these complications may be able to file wrongful death lawsuits to seek justice and compensation.

These complications underscore the serious risks associated with AngioDynamics port catheters. Whether it's a device fracture, migration, or infection, the consequences can be severe and life-altering for patients and their loved ones.

FDA Recalls and Warnings

Due to the risks associated with AngioDynamics port catheters, there have been several FDA recalls aimed at protecting patients. These recalls highlight the severity of the issues surrounding these devices and underscore the importance of vigilance if you or a loved one has one of these ports implanted.

  • SmartPort Recall (February 22, 2021): AngioDynamics recalled certain SmartPort kits because they were not sterile, leading to concerns about infections in vulnerable patients. The FDA classified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type, indicating a potential for severe injury or death.
  • Vortex MP Port Recall (September 20, 2022): The Vortex MP Port system was recalled due to labeling issues, with the labels failing to disclose the presence of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a chemical associated with cancer and reproductive harm.

These recalls reflect the dangerous nature of the defects in these port catheter systems. 

AngioDynamics and its subsidiary Navilyst Medical are facing numerous lawsuits from patients who have suffered complications as a result of defective port catheters. Allegations in the lawsuits include:

  • Delayed Recalls: Some plaintiffs argue that AngioDynamics didn't act quickly enough to recall their port catheters when safety issues became apparent. This delay allegedly prolonged patients' risk and exacerbated their injuries.
  • Insufficient Warnings: Many lawsuits claim that AngioDynamics failed to provide adequate warnings to patients and doctors about the risks associated with their port catheters. This includes failing to inform users about potential complications like infections and blood clots, as well as not being transparent about the materials used in the devices.
  • Health Complications: Numerous claims suggest that patients have faced serious health issues, such as infections, due to these catheters. These problems can lead to long-term health complications, prompting many individuals to seek compensation for their suffering and medical expenses.
  • Manufacturing Defects: Some plaintiffs allege that the port catheters have inherent manufacturing flaws. These defects could result in serious problems, such as catheter breakage, which poses significant risks if fragments enter the bloodstream.
  • Negligence in Design: Lastly, the lawsuits accuse AngioDynamics of negligence in designing and producing their devices. Plaintiffs argue that the company failed to adhere to established safety standards, potentially leading to patient injuries.

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) No. 3125

In response to the growing number of lawsuits, a federal Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) in October 2024 consolidated AngioDynamics port catheter lawsuits into a single multidistrict litigation (MDL). Known as MDL No. 3125, the litigation is being overseen by Judge Jinsook Ohta in the Southern District of California. This consolidation allows for coordinated pretrial proceedings, streamlining the process for the many plaintiffs involved in these lawsuits.

The PowerPort class action multidistrict litigation (MDL) is starting to gain traction as the number of cases continues to rise. In December 2024 alone, 78 new lawsuits were filed, contributing to the steady expansion of the MDL. Since October 2024, more than 400 additional cases have been added, bringing the total to 891 active claims—almost doubling in size over the past few months. While the overall scale of the litigation hasn't reached the initially expected levels, the rate of growth has picked up significantly.

Angiodynamics Port Catheter Lawsuit Updates

February 5, 2025 – PowerPort MDL Sees Slower Growth with 8 New Cases

The PowerPort multidistrict litigation (MDL) experienced a notable decline in new case filings last month, with only eight additional lawsuits added in January. This brings the total number of active cases to 1,004, a sharp decrease compared to the 78 new filings recorded in December. The slowdown may partly be attributed to attorneys catching up on casework following the holiday season. Despite this dip in filings, our firm continues to receive daily inquiries from individuals who have suffered severe complications due to defective catheters, indicating that interest in legal action remains strong.

January 28, 2025 – Lawsuits Over AngioDynamics Xcela Gaining Momentum

Legal action surrounding the Xcela implantable vascular access device is rapidly expanding. As previously reported, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated multiple lawsuits against AngioDynamics, Inc. and Navilyst Medical, Inc. in October 2024, forming MDL No. 3125. This litigation, now centralized in the Southern District of California under Judge Jinsook Ohta, involves claims that the companies' port catheter devices—designed for long-term venous access—are prone to breaking down and fracturing, leading to serious health issues such as infections, blood clots, and migration of the device within the body. Plaintiffs argue that the high concentration of barium sulfate in these devices contributes to their deterioration and that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn of these dangers. 

A recently filed lawsuit against AngioDynamics highlights these concerns. The plaintiff, who had an Xcela port implanted on May 14, 2020, asserts that the device’s design and manufacturing defects made it susceptible to degradation and breakage. According to the complaint, the inclusion of barium sulfate in the catheter’s composition accelerated surface deterioration, heightening the risks of infection, clot formation, and device migration—issues that have also been raised in litigation over the PowerPort. 

Following implantation, the plaintiff developed a severe infection linked to the Xcela device, ultimately requiring its removal in October 2021. She claims to have endured lasting physical and emotional distress, sustained permanent injuries, and suffered financial hardships due to medical bills and lost income.

January 27, 2025 – New Lawsuit Filed Over PowerPort Implantable Port Injuries

A new lawsuit was filed on Friday by a plaintiff from Wixom, Michigan, alleging serious injuries linked to the implantation of a PowerPort Implantable Port. The complaint, submitted as a short-form filing in MDL-3081 in Arizona, echoes common allegations in these cases, asserting that defects in the device’s design, manufacturing, and labeling led to severe complications—specifically thrombosis, a claim that has been prevalent in many of these lawsuits. 

According to the lawsuit, the manufacturers prioritized financial gain over patient safety, pushing the device to market without sufficient testing and failing to disclose critical risks. The plaintiff, who had the device implanted on October 13, 2017, claims that it malfunctioned in a manner consistent with the issues highlighted in the MDL’s Master Complaint. The legal claims include strict liability for design and manufacturing defects, negligence, failure to provide adequate warnings, and breaches of both express and implied warranties.

January 17, 2025 – New Guidelines Issued for Lawsuit Trial Preparation

A recent directive under Case Management Order No. 29 has been released, establishing updated discovery protocols for cases categorized within Discovery Group 1 in the Bard Implanted Port Catheter MDL. This order builds upon the framework outlined in Amended Case Management Order No. 10, specifying the necessary steps and timelines for the discovery process, particularly for the first wave of bellwether cases. 

The order confirms that all existing provisions from Amended CMO No. 10 remain in force for Discovery Group 1 while introducing new measures to streamline this phase. A key requirement under this directive is for both parties to carefully draft and submit comprehensive discovery plans for Bellwether Group 1 by April 7, 2025. Leading up to this deadline, parties are permitted to conduct critical depositions by April 4, 2025. These depositions will involve key individuals, including the lead plaintiff, any loss-of-consortium plaintiff, relevant family members, the medical professionals responsible for implanting and removing the device, an additional treating physician from each party, and a designated sales representative or supervisor. This means a significant number of depositions will need to be conducted in preparation for trial. 

The order also establishes clear procedures for physician depositions. By set dates in January 2025, both plaintiffs and defendants must disclose which physicians they intend to call as witnesses to ensure adequate preparation. Each deposition is limited to a total of seven hours, evenly divided between both parties in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(d)(1). This rule prevents either side from dominating the questioning and ensures a fair and balanced process. Additionally, unless a 14-day advance notice is provided, all depositions will be conducted remotely—offering a more modern and efficient approach while still allowing for in-person sessions when necessary. 

Another significant aspect of the order is the restriction placed on defendants regarding communication with plaintiffs’ treating physicians. Defendants are prohibited from discussing case details with these medical professionals outside of logistical arrangements for depositions, maintaining ethical transparency. Conversely, plaintiffs’ counsel retains the ability to engage in ex parte discussions with these physicians. Any documents obtained from such discussions must be disclosed to the opposing side well before the deposition takes place. Furthermore, all examining attorneys must exchange potential deposition materials with opposing counsel and the deponent’s legal representative at least five days before the deposition, with a strict limit of 40 documents to prevent an excessive information burden.

Filing an AngioDynamics Port Catheter Lawsuit

If you have experienced complications from an AngioDynamics port catheter, you may be entitled to compensation through an AngioDynamics Port Catheter lawsuit. Here are some of the key steps to filing a lawsuit:

  1. Consult an Attorney: Reach out to a skilled attorney who handles medical device litigation, such as those with Lawsuit Legal News. They will evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of action, whether that involves joining the MDL or filing an individual lawsuit.
  2. Gather Evidence: Collect your medical records, any documentation related to the port catheter, and proof of any complications or medical expenses you’ve incurred. This evidence will be critical to building a strong case.
  3. File Your Claim: Your attorney will help you file your lawsuit, outlining the injuries you’ve suffered as a result of the defective port catheter.
  4. Discovery and Negotiation: Both sides will exchange evidence, and your attorney will negotiate with AngioDynamics’ legal team to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial.
  5. Settlement or Trial: Many cases settle before going to trial. However, if necessary, your attorney will take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who Can File a Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file an AngioDynamics port catheter lawsuit if you fall into one of these categories:

  • Patients with Complications: If you've experienced serious complications such as infections, catheter fractures, or blood clots due to an AngioDynamics port catheter, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
  • Patients Requiring Revision Surgery: If you needed additional surgery to correct problems caused by a faulty AngioDynamics port catheter, you might be eligible to seek compensation.
  • Family Members of Affected Patients: If your loved one suffered severe harm or passed away due to complications from an AngioDynamics port catheter, you may be able to file a lawsuit on their behalf.

Each case is unique, and eligibility can depend on various factors, including the specific complications experienced, the timing of the injuries, and the laws in your state. Consulting an experienced attorney is the best way to determine if you have a valid claim.

Compensation in an AngioDynamics Lawsuit

Individuals harmed by an AngioDynamics port catheter may be able to recover compensation for various damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future medical costs related to complications from the port catheter, including surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing treatments.
  • Lost Wages or Income: Compensation for time missed from work due to complications and recovery.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the defective device and resulting complications.
  • Loss of Quality of Life: Compensation for how the complications have impacted your daily life and ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of severe negligence, additional damages may be awarded to penalize AngioDynamics and deter similar conduct in the future.

The specific compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.

Dealing with complications from a medical device that was meant to help you can be overwhelming and distressing. At Lawsuit Legal News, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these issues can take on you and your loved ones. The journey to recovery and justice may seem daunting, but you don't have to face it alone.

Hundreds of patients across the country have experienced similar complications, and many are taking action to seek justice and compensation. While no amount of compensation can undo the harm you've experienced, taking legal action can provide you with a sense of closure and justice. 

If you're ready to explore your legal options or simply have questions about the AngioDynamics port catheter lawsuits, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 866-467-0943 or through our online contact form. Our team is here to provide the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your path forward.

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