Bard PowerPort Catheter Found Liable in $40M Verdict
A recent jury verdict highlights potential complications for adults with implanted Bard PowerPort catheter systems.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Heart Disease
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An Arizona jury awarded $40 million to Kimberly A. Divelbliss on September 4, 2026, following a lawsuit involving the Bard PowerPort implanted catheter. The verdict, which concluded the second bellwether trial in the ongoing federal multidistrict litigation, addresses claims of device fracture and subsequent cardiac injury.
Why it matters
This verdict brings attention to the long-term performance and potential risks of implanted catheter devices, specifically regarding claims of device failure years after implantation. It highlights a critical intersection of product liability and patient safety for those who rely on these systems for long-term medical care.
A federal jury in Arizona returned a $40 million verdict against the defendants in a product liability trial, assigning them 100 percent of the fault. The impact of such device failures on broader patient populations remains a subject of ongoing investigation in the multidistrict litigation.
The players
Kimberly A. Divelbliss
The plaintiff who filed a product liability lawsuit alleging that a Bard PowerPort catheter fractured two years after it was implanted.
Bard PowerPort
A medical device used for long-term venous access that is currently the subject of federal multidistrict litigation regarding potential structural failure.
The details
The Bard PowerPort is designed to provide long-term venous access for medication delivery. The plaintiff alleged that the device fractured two years after initial implantation, resulting in a fragment lodging within the heart. These complications were reported to have caused significant cardiac health issues, including heart attacks and arrhythmias, requiring surgical removal of the device component.
Timeline
September 4, 2026: The jury returned the verdict in the trial.
Health Landscape
This verdict sits within the broader scope of multidistrict litigation number 3081, which centralizes product liability claims across federal courts. It marks the second bellwether trial in the series, indicating a significant moment in how these specific device liability claims are being evaluated.
Patients with implanted catheter devices should be aware of the importance of regular follow-ups to monitor device integrity. Any unusual symptoms, such as chest pain or palpitations, should be discussed with a cardiologist or the physician who performed the implantation.
The takeaway
Product liability outcomes serve as a reminder to stay informed about any medical hardware currently implanted in your body. If you have an implanted port or catheter, ask your doctor about the recommended monitoring schedule and specific warning signs of potential device failure to watch for.
Further reading
For more information on managing conditions requiring vascular access, visit Heart Disease.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Missouri Lawyers Media.
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