If you or a loved one has been treated for cancer or another chronic health condition, there’s a good chance that medical professionals made use of an intravenous (IV) port or catheter during treatment. Implanted or inserted under the skin of patients who need regular blood draws and IV medication, these devices are commonly known as Port-a-Caths, TIVADs, or PICCs.

Port-a-Caths and similar devices can be convenient and lifesaving for many people, but they also come with some serious health risks. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury related to a Port-a-Cath, TIVAD, PICC, or other implanted port or catheter device, contact the Roach Law Firm today. We’ll have a Port-a-Cath lawyer evaluate your case for free.

Unsure which type of device you or a loved was fitted with? Here’s how to tell them apart:

Port-a-Cath
A Port-a-Cath (also known as a “portacath” or “chemo port”) is a small, round or triangular-shaped device that is surgically implanted under the skin, usually near the collarbone. It has a small, tubelike catheter that extends from the device into a large vein near the heart. A needle is inserted through the skin into the port to take blood samples or administer treatments. It may stay in place for weeks, months, or even years.

TIVAD
A Port-a-Cath is a type of “totally implantable vascular access device,” usually abbreviated as TIVAD. Other TIVAD products are branded as Eco Port, Clip-a-Port, SmartPort, Microport, Bardport, PowerPort, Passport, Infuse-a-Port, Medi-Port, and Bioflo.

PICC
A “peripherally inserted central catheter” (PICC), is a long, thin, flexible tube that is often inserted through the arm and into a large vein near the heart. PICCs are often used for people who need intravenous treatments for a short period of time, or for people who are unable to use a Port-a-Cath or other TIVAD.

Complications from implanted ports and catheters may lead to the following conditions, some of which can be fatal:

If you or a loved one has experienced a health problem you believe was caused by a Port-a-Cath, TIVAD, PICC, or similar device, it is important to seek legal help.

An experienced Port-a-Cath lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise to handle your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. They can help you gather evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony, and negotiate with the manufacturer or insurance company on your behalf.

Time is often of the essence in these types of cases, so it is important to act quickly to protect your rights and recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.