DURHAM – Durham-based 410 Medical which in May a new and improved version of LifeFlow, its medical device for treating life-threatening low blood pressure, shock and sepsis in critically ill patients, has raised $8 million in venture capital.

Leading the Series A round in Durham-based Hatteras Ventures. The startup raised more than $3 million in 2018 to launch commercialization of its technology.

Also investing were OSF Healthcare and previous investors such as Soverign Capital.

“LifeFlow has been designed to deliver fluids up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, which can be particularly impactful for patients suffering from sepsis, shock and trauma, who are at higher risk of organ failure and death,” said Kyle Chenet, Chief Executive Officer at 410 Medical, in the announcement. “This new funding will be instrumental in expanding commercialization of LifeFlow in hospital and pre-hospital environments nationwide, ensuring that more patients receive time-sensitive fluid resuscitation.”

410 Medical nabs $3.1M in new financing for LifeFlow device (plus video)

LifeFlow is a hand-operated infuser that combines a syringe, automatic check valve and high-flow tubing set. It was designed to help a single caregiver inject resuscitating fluids quickly and easily with less stress in emergency situations.

The new version of LifeFlow has a feature that smooths and increases fluid flow and another feature that helps with the priming and setup process and stops fluid flow if air is detected in the system.

LifeFlow, developed by physician Mark Piehl at WakeMed Health & Hospitals in Raleigh, is 410 Medical’s first product. It received clearance for human use in 2016 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Other users include Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Colorado.

After the device’s approval, WakeMed began using LifeFlow throughout its hospitals. The device is used frequently to treat patients with septic shock, trauma and other emergency conditions related to dangerously low blood pressure that can quickly lead to organ failure or death if not treated quickly.

Jeff Terrell, Partner at Hatteras. and Stan Lynall, Vice President of Venture Investments at OSF Ventures, will join the 410 board as part of the deal.

(N.C. Biotech Center contributed to this story.)