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Nitric Oxide and the Lung: An Overview
Author(s) -
Head C. Alvin
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1594.1997.tb00689.x
Subject(s) - nitric oxide , medicine , airway , lung , inhalation , intensive care medicine , anesthesia , paranasal sinuses , surgery
This brief discussion focuses on the effects of nitric oxide (NO) in the lung. A short introduction of some of the physical characteristics of the NO gas molecule and the endogenous production of NO by the vascular endothelium is addressed first. This is followed by a review of inhaled NO use as a hronchodilator of the airway and recent findings of the endogenous production of NO during positive end‐expiratory pressure and the possible role of NO produced in the paranasal Sinuses. Next, the use of inhaled NO for both pulmonary hypertension and improvement in oxygenation under a variety of clinical situations is discussed. Finally, some suggestions are given regarding the safe delivery of inhaled NO during clinical applications using a facemask, an anesthesia circuit, and a mechanical ventilator.