Port catheter lawsuit: Did your chemo port cause serious complications?

Implanted chemo ports have been linked to serious complications, including infections, fractures and blood clots.

You may qualify for a port catheter lawsuit if you experienced an infection, fracture or blood clot after receiving an implanted port for cancer treatment.

What to know about the chemo port lawsuit 

• Core Issue: Lawsuits allege that certain Bard PowerPort, AngioDynamics SmartPort and other port catheters have design defects that may cause the devices to fracture, move out of position or contribute to serious medical complications.

• Who it Affects: Patients who received certain Bard or AngioDynamics port catheters for cancer treatment and experienced complications, such as a catheter fracture, blood clot or infection.

• Harm/Impact: Complications involving implanted port catheters can lead to additional medical procedures, hospitalization and other serious health consequences.

• Legal Status: Both Bard and AngioDynamics face multiple lawsuits, including federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceedings. As these cases progress through the courts, attorneys continue to investigate new port catheter claims.

• Take Action: If you received an eligible port catheter for cancer treatment and experienced serious complications, complete the form on this page to see if you qualify to pursue an AngioDynamics or Bard PowerPort lawsuit.

Who qualifies for an AngioDynamics or Bard PowerPoint lawsuit?

You may qualify for chemo port lawsuit if the following apply:

• You received one of the following port catheters within the past 10 years. If you are unsure which device you received, your medical records may have that information.
  • AngioDynamics BioFlo Port
  • AngioDynamics SmartPort
  • AngioDynamics SmartPort CT
  • AngioDynamics Vaxcel
  • AngioDynamics Vortex
  • AngioDynamics Xcela
  • BardPort
  • Bard Groshong Central Venous Catheter
  • Bard PowerPort
  • Bard M.R.I. Implantable Port
  • Bard SlimPort
  • Bard Titanium Low-Profile Port
  • Bard Vaccess CT Low-Profile Port  
  • Bard X-Port ISP
• Your port catheter was implanted for cancer treatment.
• You experienced a catheter fracture, migration, blood clot or infection.

Time limits may apply. Do not wait to check whether you may qualify.

Legally reviewed by: Marlene Goldenberg
Founding Partner, Nigh Goldenberg Raso & Vaughn PLLC

The law firms responsible for the content of this page are: Nigh Goldenberg Raso & Vaughn PLLC; Washington, D.C.; 202-792-7927; nighgoldenberg.com and LegaFi Law LLC (an Arizona law firm), 888-4-LegaFi, www.legafi.com.

Case updates

Legal status as of October 2026

• October 2026: Federal litigation involving Bard and AngioDynamics continues to grow. As of October 1, Bard’s MDL No. 3081 has 4,140 pending lawsuits, while AngioDynamics’ MDL No. 3125 has 439 pending lawsuits. Attorneys continue to investigate new port catheter claims.
• September 2026: A federal jury awarded $40 million to a plaintiff who alleged that her Bard PowerPort catheter fractured and a broken piece traveled to her heart. This verdict came in the second bellwether trial in the Bard litigation (Divelbliss v. Becton, Dickinson and Company, Case No. CV-23-01627-PHX-DGC).
• May 2026: The first Bard PowerPort bellwether trial concluded with the jury ruling in favor of Bard on several claims. However, jurors could not reach a unanimous decision on the design-defect claim (Cook v. Becton Dickinson and Company, Case No. CV-23-01975-PHX-DGC).
• October 2024: The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated 23 lawsuits involving AngioDynamics and Navilyst Medical port catheters into MDL No. 3125 in the Southern District of California.
• August 2023: The JPML consolidated 48 lawsuits involving Bard implanted port catheters into MDL No. 3081 in the District of Arizona.

This page was last reviewed and updated in October 2026 to reflect the latest case developments.

How a defective port catheter can cause harm

Patients who experience serious complications from an implanted port catheter may face additional medical challenges while already undergoing cancer treatment. These complications can affect their health, finances and overall quality of life.

Potential consequences include:

• Additional medical treatment: Patients may require emergency care, hospitalization, surgery or other procedures to address complications involving their implanted port.
• Ongoing health problems: Serious complications can lead to prolonged recovery, lasting physical limitations or additional medical needs.
• Financial hardship: Unexpected medical bills, lost income and ongoing care expenses can create significant financial strain for patients and their families.

Patients who experienced severe complications may be able to seek compensation for their injuries and related losses through a port catheter lawsuit.

Frequently asked questions about the chemo port lawsuit

How can I find out which port catheter I received?

Your implant card, surgical records or hospital discharge paperwork may include the name and manufacturer of your port catheter. If you do not have these records, your healthcare provider may be able to help you identify the device.

Have Bard PowerPort or AngioDynamics port catheters been recalled?

In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled certain Bard PowerPort and AngioDynamics port catheter devices.

In 2020, certain Bard PowerPort devices were recalled due to issues involving catheter components. In 2021, AngioDynamics recalled specific AngioDynamics SmartPort CT devices over concerns that packaging problems could compromise their sterility.

These recalls affected only certain devices and manufacturing lots. However, patients who received other port catheters may still be able to pursue legal action if they experienced injuries related to an alleged defect.

Can I file a chemo port lawsuit if my port was removed?

Yes, you may still qualify to file a chemo port lawsuit even if your port catheter has been removed or replaced. What matters is whether you experienced complications involving an eligible device, not whether the port is still implanted.

How much compensation could I receive from a port catheter lawsuit?

There is no guaranteed payout amount for a port catheter lawsuit. Compensation depends on the circumstances of each case, including the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost income and other losses. 

Is there a deadline to file a port catheter lawsuit?

Yes. Filing deadlines vary by state and depend on the circumstances of each case, including when the injury occurred or was discovered. An attorney can help determine which deadlines may apply to your situation.

Fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a free case evaluation.