The United States District Court for the Southern District of California in San Diego is now overseeing consolidated litigation against AngioDynamics, Inc. and its subsidiary Navilyst Medical regarding their implanted port catheter devices. The cases involve claims related to device complications and injuries allegedly caused by degradation of catheter materials.
As of January 2025, at least 90 product liability lawsuits have been filed in the federal court system, with 18 new cases added in January alone, indicating growing concern about these medical devices.
The AngioDynamics Port Catheter Litigation
The federal court in San Diego established MDL-3125 on October 3, 2024, with Judge Jinsook Ohta presiding over the proceedings at the downtown courthouse. This Multi-District Litigation (MDL) consolidation allows for more efficient handling of similar claims while ensuring consistent pretrial decisions. The MDL process parallels earlier litigation against other manufacturers of similar devices, including the Bard PowerPort implanted port catheter cases.
Affected Devices and Design Issues
AngioDynamics and its subsidiary Navilyst Medical produce several port catheter devices that have been reported as potentially defective. These include:
- Vortex Port Catheter
- BioFlo Port Catheter
- SmartPort CT Catheter
- Xcela Plus Port Catheter
- Navilyst PowerPort
These devices are designed to provide long-term vascular access for treatments like chemotherapy, blood draws, and medication administration. However, plaintiffs allege that design flaws, particularly related to the use of barium sulfate in the catheter materials, make these devices potentially dangerous for patients.
Device Complications
According to documents filed in the San Diego federal court, the barium sulfate component in these devices can degrade over time, leading to several serious complications:
Device Fractures and Migration
Port catheter fractures can occur due to structural weaknesses in the device. When this happens, small fragments may enter the bloodstream and migrate to critical areas such as the heart or lungs, potentially causing dangerous embolisms or internal damage. Even intact catheters can migrate from their original position, leading to improper medication delivery and potential tissue damage.
Blood Clot Formation
The presence of these devices in the bloodstream can disrupt normal blood flow, potentially leading to the formation of dangerous blood clots. These clots can cause serious complications including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. The risk is particularly concerning for patients already managing complex medical conditions.
Infection Risks
Port catheter infections represent a serious risk, often resulting from bacteria entering the bloodstream through the catheter’s insertion site or through compromised device integrity. These infections can range from localized issues to life-threatening conditions like sepsis, particularly dangerous for immunocompromised patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
Surgical Complications
Many patients require additional surgeries to address these device-related complications. These procedures carry their own risks and can result in extended recovery periods, additional medical expenses, and further health complications.
Current Status of the Litigation
Under Judge Ohta’s supervision, the MDL is progressing through its early stages, with several important developments underway. The court has streamlined the process for affected patients to join the litigation through direct filing authorization. A proposed leadership structure of experienced attorneys is expected to be finalized by mid-February 2025, marking an important step forward in coordinating these complex proceedings.
The consolidation in San Diego represents a significant milestone for affected patients. This legal framework allows for efficient handling of pretrial proceedings while preserving each plaintiff’s right to an individual outcome based on their specific circumstances. The coordinated nature of an MDL typically results in more consistent pretrial decisions and can lead to more efficient resolution of claims.
The Legal Claims Against AngioDynamics
The lawsuits allege that AngioDynamics failed to adequately warn healthcare providers and patients about the risks associated with their port catheter devices. Specific allegations include:
- Failure to properly test the devices before marketing them to patients
- Inadequate warnings about the potential for device degradation
- Insufficient safety monitoring after the devices were in use
- Failure to promptly report adverse events to regulatory authorities
- Marketing defective medical devices that posed unreasonable risks to patients
Long-Term Health Impacts
Patients who experience complications from these devices often face significant long-term health consequences, including:
- Chronic pain and discomfort from device complications
- Ongoing risk of infection or blood clots
- Need for continued medical monitoring
- Potential interference with necessary medical treatments
- Extended recovery periods from corrective procedures
Looking Forward
As the San Diego federal court manages these proceedings, several important developments are anticipated in the coming months. Once the leadership structure is established, Judge Ohta’s team will begin scheduling discovery procedures. The court is expected to eventually select representative cases for bellwether trials, which will serve as important indicators of how juries might respond to the evidence and arguments presented.
Patient Legal Rights
California patients with AngioDynamics port catheter complications should understand their rights regarding potential claims. State laws impose strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, on filing claims related to medical device injuries. These deadlines vary by jurisdiction and specific circumstances, and consulting with experienced counsel can help ensure compliance with these requirements.
The consolidated proceedings in the San Diego federal court represent an important development for individuals affected by AngioDynamics port catheter complications. Medical device litigation requires specific expertise and careful attention to complex medical and legal details. The attorneys at Doyle APC can provide confidential consultations regarding AngioDynamics port catheter cases and explain the implications of the MDL proceedings.