Summary
A 4-year-old boy named Caleb Strickland is waiting for a heart transplant, kept alive by an artificial heart pump. A medical device called PediaFlow, meant to help children like Caleb, is in development but lost its funding. The U.S. government canceled the grant amid broader actions against universities.
Key Facts
- Caleb Strickland, age 4, is in heart failure and needs a heart transplant.
- Caleb currently uses a ventricular assist device (VAD) to keep his heart pumping.
- The PediaFlow device is designed to help children with severe heart defects.
- James Antaki, a biomedical engineer, has been developing the PediaFlow for 20 years.
- The U.S. Department of Defense funded PediaFlow with a $6 million grant.
- In April, the Trump administration canceled the grant as part of actions against universities.
- About $10 billion in grants were canceled due to accusations against universities.
- The FDA identifies PediaFlow as important for medical device needs in children.
