Nitric oxide treatment (NO treatment)

With NO treatment, nitric oxide is connected to the baby's ventilator/CPAP with the aid of a small tube. Nitric oxide is a gas that is mixed with the air that the baby receives through the ventilator/CPAP. Nitric oxide acts as a transmitter substance and causes the smooth muscle around the blood vessels in the lungs to relax, thus causing the blood vessels to dilate. The blood vessels then become even more permeable and this facilitates gas exchange so that oxygen can enter more easily and carbon dioxide can be expelled. The amount of gas given is precisely dosed and controlled by a machine – INOmax. The dose is dependent on the level of oxygen in the baby's blood.