Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries caused by a Tivad totally implanted port, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.
What is TIVAD?
A TIVAD, or Totally Implantable Venous Access Device, is a long hollow tube that is inserted into one of the large veins in the body. One end of the tube is placed in a vein, usually just
above the heart, and the other end is attached to an injection port that sits underneath your skin in your upper arm or the chest.
TIVADs, which are also commonly known as Ports or Port-a-caths, are typically used on patients who need medications that irritate or damage small veins. They are also recommended for patients who need IV therapy over extended periods of time as an alternative to permanent venous devices which are visible and require frequent dressings and care.
What’s the Problem?
Investigations are being conducted in preparation for lawsuits against TIVAD port manufacturers over the potentially defective manufacturing of and false representations relating to port-a-cath products.
TIVAD implants use a port and silicone catheter that is implanted directly into the patient’s vascular system. However, these silicone catheters have been reported to break down in the body over time, causing pieces of the device to fracture and migrate to other areas of the body.
TIVAD Complications
Shards of broken silicone can result in a variety of severe, potentially life-threatening complications including:
- Hemorrhage (internal bleeding)
- Cardiac / pericardial tamponade
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Septum dislodgements
- Severe and persistent pain
- Perforations of tissue, vessels and organs
- Breakage of the TIVAD device
- Leak medications and fluids into the body
- Infection
- Sepsis
- Erosion of the TIVAD through the skin
- Hemorrhage (bleeding)
- Cardiac / pericardial tamponade (pressure around the heart) due to fluid leaking
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cancer advancement when the TIVAD breaks or leaks medication, which reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapy
- Necrosis (death of body tissue from lack of blood-flow)
- Perforation of tissue, blood vessels, or organs
- Wound coming apart
- Removal surgery
- Death
What to do if You Suffered a TIVAD Injury
If you were injured after being implanted with a TIVAD port, it is important that you speak with your doctor immediately. If you have experienced pain, warmth, redness, swelling, or draining from the port, you may be at risk of serious complications and you need to take the measures necessary to protect your health.
After seeking medical attention, you should contact the law offices of Schmidt & Clark, LLP, to learn more about your legal rights. Our lawyers will assess whether your complications were caused by the negligence of a TIVAD manufacturer and whether you are eligible to file a port catheter lawsuit.
Who is Liable for TIVAD Failure?
If you or someone you love experienced severe complications from a TIVAD port-a-cath, it is likely that the device’s manufacturer will be held responsible for your injuries. It has been established that TIVAD port devices are not as durable as they should be, resulting in an increased risk of complications. Injuries from port-a-cath devices are often preventable, as additional coatings to reinforce the catheter which are harmless to the body could be added.
TIVAD manufacturers have been made aware of port catheter complications, and have attempted to place the blame on doctors who implanted the devices incorrectly. However, the number of consumers alleging TIVAD injuries suggests this isn’t the case. Manufacturers have not taken proper steps to reinforce and test their products before bringing them to market, and they should be held accountable. The more lawsuits that are filed against these companies, the more pressure will be put on them to improve the quality and safety of their products.
What Damages Could I Be Awarded?
When you file a TIVAD lawsuit, you can expect to receive compensation for economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include tangible expenses, including medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic losses are intended to compensate personal injury victims for their emotional suffering and physical pain.
In order to be adequately compensated for your injuries, you need a knowledgable and experienced port catheter injury lawyer who will take the time to understand your case and fight for what you deserve.
Do I Have a Tivad Class Action Lawsuit?
The Class Action Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Tivad lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you or a loved one suffered serious injuries caused by a Tivad totally implanted port, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and our lawyers can help.