Inhaled nitric oxide

Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) increases blood flow to ventilated areas of the lungs, chiefly by dilating the pulmonary vessels that are already well-ventilated. Dilation reduces intrapulmonary shunting and improves ventilation-perfusion mismatch, thereby increasing arterial oxygenation. Do not confuse inhaled nitric oxide with inhaled nitrous oxide (laughing gas).