An appraisal of techniques for administration of gaseous nitric oxide.

Gaseous nitric oxide (NO) is a potent selective pulmonary vasodilator. When mixed with O2 for more than 10-15 minutes it forms toxic amounts of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). We describe two techniques to administer 20 parts per million (ppm) during mechanical ventilation. A technique using flows of NO and O2 at low pressure to drive a Siemens Servo 900C ventilator provided a constant inspired concentration of NO. Another technique in which NO was added to the inspiratory limb of a Siemens Servo 900C ventilator driven by high pressure oxygen provided a highly variable concentration (9-53 ppm) of inspired NO.