NITRIC OXIDE INHALATION FOR THE PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

摘要

The use of nitric oxide as a gaseous drug for preventing or controlling inflammatory response following extracorporeal blood circulation in humans and animals is disclosed. The gaseous drug is preferably inhaled and delivered to a human or animal by oral or nasal intubation, during at least part of the pre-operative preparation period, during the operation itself and during part of the post-operative recovery period. The drug is also preferably administered at a concentration of 0.5-80 ppm. The use of nitric oxide is also intended to protect the renal, pulmonary, hepatic and neurological functions following extracorporeal blood circulation, and to cause relaxation of the left ventricle of the cardiac muscle.