Injection port device implants have revolutionized the delivery of long-term intravenous treatments, making it easier and less painful for patients with chronic conditions to receive their medication. However, as with any medical device, these implants are not without risks. If you or a loved one has faced complications due to your injection port device, contact the experienced injury attorneys at The Lovely Law Firm in Myrtle Beach, SC. Contact us today at (843) 281-7205 for a free consultation.
In This Article:
- What is an Injection Port Device?
- Components of Injection Port Device Implant
- About the Injection Port Device Market
- Common Types of Injection Port Implant Failures
- Understanding Your Rights With Medical Device Failure
- Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys at The Lovely Law Firm
What is an Injection Port Device?
An injection port device is a type of medical device used to manage injections for patients who need frequent or regular injections, such as those with diabetes or other chronic conditions.
Typically, an injection port consists of a base that is adhered to the skin, and a cannula (small plastic tube) that is inserted under the skin. The device includes a “port” where a syringe or infusion set can be connected to deliver medication into the body without having to puncture the skin with each injection.
Instead of receiving multiple injections directly into the skin, the medication is delivered through the port, reducing discomfort and potential skin damage. This can greatly improve the quality of life for people who require frequent injections. For example, according to the National Institute of Health, the use of an injection port device saw increased compliance and decreased episodes for insulin-treated patients.
An example of an injection port device is the i-Port Advance™ Injection Port by Medtronic. It’s mainly used by people with diabetes who take multiple daily injections (MDI). It can be used with both syringes and insulin pens, and it stays on the skin for up to three days.
Please note, using any type of medical device should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Components of Injection Port Device Implant
An injection port device implant, also known as an implanted port, portacath, or subcutaneous injection port, is a device that’s placed under the skin and used to access the bloodstream. This type of device is typically used for long-term intravenous treatments like chemotherapy, long-term antibiotic therapy, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or for patients with difficult venous access.
Here’s a basic outline of how this type of device is structured:
- Port: This is a small reservoir made from a durable material like plastic or metal, which is implanted under the skin, usually in the chest area.
- Catheter: This is a flexible tube that connects the port to a vein. The catheter is inserted into a vein in the chest and threaded down into one of the large central veins near the heart.
- Septum: The top of the port has a self-sealing silicone septum (like a rubber stopper) through which drugs can be injected or blood samples can be drawn. The septum is designed to be punctured multiple times with a special non-coring needle, called a Huber needle, without damage.
An implanted injection port provides a way to deliver medications directly into the larger central veins, which can handle the potent medications that would damage smaller peripheral veins. It also reduces the need for repeated needlesticks for patients undergoing long-term IV therapy.
As with all medical procedures and devices, the use of an implanted port carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and clotting, and should be discussed in depth with a healthcare provider.
Injection Port Device Market: Dominated by Key Players
The injection port device implant market is largely dominated by manufacturers such as Bard, which holds a staggering 70% market share. Other key players include AngioDynamics and Smiths Medical. Unfortunately, even with advanced manufacturing techniques and rigorous testing protocols, failure rates are still present. For Bard, in particular, the failure rate stands at about 20%.
Common Types of Implant Failures
When an injection port device implant fails, it can result in a range of complications, some of which can be quite severe. The most commonly seen injuries in our case reviews include:
- Port Fracture: This occurs when the port, typically composed of durable material, breaks or fractures. This can cause severe discomfort and necessitate an additional surgery to remove or replace the fractured port.
- Dislodgment/Disconnection from Port: The device can become dislodged from its original position or disconnected from the port, often requiring surgical intervention and leading to potential treatment delays.
- Blood Clot Complications: A clot can form in the catheter or in the vein where the device is implanted, leading to a potentially dangerous situation if the clot travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
- Post Implant Arrhythmias: These are irregular heart rhythms that develop after the implantation of the device. They can range from harmless to life-threatening.
- Port Infection: Infection can occur at any point post-implantation. However, in our case reviews, we only consider infections that have occurred 90 days after the implantation, as infections within the initial 90 days may be linked to the implantation procedure itself.
Understanding Your Rights With Medical Device Failure
If you or someone you know has experienced any of these complications after being implanted with an injection port device, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Patients who’ve suffered due to device failure may be entitled to compensation, particularly if the device was defective or the patient was not adequately warned of the risks. An experienced product liability attorney in Myrtle Beach can help you evaluate your specifics and see if you have a case.
Contact the Mass Tort Attorneys at The Lovely Law Firm
Injection port device implant failures can be a frightening prospect for patients relying on these devices for their treatment. Through ongoing research, manufacturers aim to reduce these failure rates, but until then, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and to seek professional advice if you believe you may have experienced a device failure.
Please remember, this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing any issues with your injection port device implant, please reach out to a healthcare provider immediately.
We are reviewing these cases for possible litigation. If you feel you have suffered the above injuries after an injection port device failure, call The Lovely Law Firm Injury Lawyers
