AngioDynamics Xcela Lawsuit Updates
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against AngioDynamics Over Smart Port Catheter Infection
Kristopher Taylor of Oklahoma has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against AngioDynamics, alleging its Smart Port catheter caused a fatal infection in his wife, Melissa. The device was implanted to administer chemotherapy. Within two weeks, Melissa Taylor was hospitalized and diagnosed with a septic pulmonary embolism, which led to her death. The lawsuit claims AngioDynamics failed to warn patients and physicians of the known risk of life-threatening bloodstream infections and sepsis associated with the port. Kristopher Taylor is seeking damages on behalf of his wife’s estate and himself.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against AngioDynamics Over Smart Port Catheter Infection
Kristopher Taylor of Oklahoma has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against AngioDynamics, alleging its Smart Port catheter caused a fatal infection in his wife, Melissa. The device was implanted to administer chemotherapy. Within two weeks, Melissa Taylor was hospitalized and diagnosed with a septic pulmonary embolism, which led to her death. The lawsuit claims AngioDynamics failed to warn patients and physicians of the known risk of life-threatening bloodstream infections and sepsis associated with the port. Kristopher Taylor is seeking damages on behalf of his wife’s estate and himself.
Texas Patient Sues Over Alleged Defective Chemotherapy Port Design
Donald Gotcher, a Texas patient, received an AngioDynamics port catheter to facilitate chemotherapy treatment. Years later, he developed a serious infection that required removal of the device. He later learned that the port’s design may allow bacteria to enter the body, increasing the risk of infection. Gotcher filed suit alleging AngioDynamics failed to design a safer product and did not adequately warn patients about known risks. The company is currently facing more than 250 lawsuits involving claims that its SmartPort catheter is defectively designed and unsafe for patient use.
Plaintiff Alleges SmartPort Fracture Led to Cardiac Complication
Janna Nicholson filed a lawsuit against AngioDynamics and Navilyst after her SmartPort implant, inserted in April 2017, fractured by August 2017. A fragment migrated to a chamber of her heart, necessitating surgical removal. The plaintiff discovered the prevalence of this issue through a 2023 attorney advertisement. Her lawsuit asserts claims including negligence, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the device's failure and the associated corrective surgery.
About The AngioDynamics Xcela Lawsuit
Lawsuits are mounting against AngioDynamics regarding its Xcela port catheter devices. More than 60 patients have sued the medical device company for allegedly concealing device defects that resulted in serious injuries. As affected port catheter users continue to come forward, courts have chosen to consolidate the cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL).
Port catheter devices provide easy vascular access for patients with chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment. Devices like AngioDynamics’ Xcela are designed to administer chemotherapy, blood transfusions, antibiotic therapy, intravenous fluids and nutrition, and more. Many affected patients were already struggling with serious health problems before receiving what they alleged is a defective device—making the impact that much greater.
If you or a loved one were impacted by an AngioDynamics Xcela port catheter, you may be able to assert your legal rights in a lawsuit. Learn about qualifying injuries and how to take the first step to see if you can join the lawsuit today.
What Is The Focus Of The Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs claim that AngioDynamics Xcela port catheter devices have inherent design flaws, causing them to easily fracture, migrate, and promote infection. These complications can result in painful and even life-threatening problems for patients, such as damage to vital organs, blood clot formation, sepsis, and improper medication delivery.
Claims against AngioDynamics related to its Xcela port catheters include:
- Developing a faulty medical device,
- Neglecting to inform patients about the device’s risks,
- Irresponsibly marketing and selling an unsafe product, and
- Breaching implied and expressed warranties.
The allegations against AngioDynamics are similar to those made against C.R. Bard, Inc. relating to its Bard PowerPort implantable catheters.
Xcela Alleged Design Flaws and Health Risks
Experts state the manufacturing process and device material are to blame for the safety concerns surrounding Xcela port catheters. To ensure visibility on radiographs, AngioDynamics designed the devices with a high concentration of barium sulfate, a radiopaque substance. This resulted in a brittle material prone to fracture inside patients’ bodies, allowing broken pieces of the catheters to flow through the bloodstream and into organs like the heart and lungs.
The manufacturing process also resulted in a rough and irregular catheter surface that allows fibrin and biofilm to accumulate, facilitating blood clots and infections. Patients who suffer damage from the catheters often require corrective surgery, resulting in additional pain, health risks, financial strain, and psychological impacts.
Who Is The Lawsuit For?
The AngioDynamics Xcela MDL is for any patient who received a qualifying Xcela port catheter and later suffered complications due to the device. Patients should be able to provide evidence related to their injuries, including medical records, imaging reports, doctor’s notes, and other relevant documentation, which can be obtained from their healthcare providers. Financial records like bank statements, hospital bills, and proof of lost wages can also be helpful in proving economic impact. Every case is different, and you will need to speak with an attorney to understand your ability to assert a claim and seek damages.
Who May Qualify For The AngioDynamics Xcela Lawsuit?
To join the AngioDynamics lawsuit, you must meet a few requirements, such as:
- You must have received a qualifying AngioDynamics Xcela port catheter.
- You must have suffered complications from the defective Xcela device.
Several complications may prequalify you to join the AngioDynamics Xcela lawsuit, including:
- Catheter Fractures
- Sepsis
- Migration of the Catheter
- Develop Blockages
- Blood Clots (Thrombosis)
- Infections
- Vascular Damage
- Internal Damage
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Surgical Complication
- Wrongful Death
Defective AngioDynamics devices that may prequalify you for the lawsuit include:
- Vortex Port Catheter
- BioFlo Port Catheter
- SmartPort CT Catheter
- Xcela Plus Port Catheter
- Navilyst PowerPort
If you are unsure which Xcela port catheter device you received, you should contact your doctor. He or she can provide you with medical records confirming your device model.
If you meet the above requirements, you may be entitled to assert a claim and seek compensation. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility, and all cases are unique.
Do I Have to Pay for an Attorney?
If you are considering joining the AngioDynamics Xcela lawsuit, you may be curious how much it costs to work with an attorney. It’s important to understand that many lawyers who handle these cases never ask for payment upfront. Most of the time, MDL attorneys require payment only if your case is successful. If you win your case, you pay a percentage of your settlement amount; otherwise, payment is not required. This is called working on a contingency fee basis, and it ensures all patients impacted by AngioDynamics’ defective devices can seek justice. Your lawyer can answer any questions you have about legal fees and how they are paid.
Lawsuit Time Limits
The deadline to file a lawsuit depends on what state you live in, when your injury was discovered, and more. A lawyer can determine the specific deadlines that apply to you after reviewing your case.
Though the AngioDynamics Xcela lawsuit is still in its early stages, it’s important to act quickly by speaking to an attorney. Doing so will allow you and your legal team enough time to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. It also allows you to participate in bellwether trials and negotiations that have the potential to shape settlement amounts.
Attorneys are standing by to assist you with the AngioDynamics Xcela port catheter lawsuit. Complete the form at the top of the page now to connect with a lawyer in the OCA network who can help you evaluate and secure your legal rights.
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