Dr. Warren Zapol’s pioneering studies two decades ago led to the implementation of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in infants, children, and adults.
An effective vasodilator, inhaled NO relaxes pulmonary blood vessels without causing a systemic drop in blood pressure, and is considered a life-saving therapy, particularly in infants and children who suffer from hypoxia and respiratory failure. Despite the efficacy of inhaled NO treatment, factors such as high cost and bulky, complex equipment limit its widespread availability.
