Nitric Oxide (NO): A Life-Saving Therapeutic Gas

A vital therapy for newborns and beyond

The most well-known application of NO is in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), also called the “blue baby syndrome.” By vasodilatation, NO improves oxygenation and can save the lives of infants suffering from this rare but critical disease.

While oxygen therapy increases the concentration of oxygen entering the lungs, nitric oxide goes a step further. It facilitates the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream and ultimately to the organs. This unique mechanism explains why NO is such a valuable complement to standard oxygen therapy.

Beyond neonatology, NO has proven its value in pulmonology and critical care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was investigated as an adjunct to oxygen therapy to support patients with severe respiratory distress, further highlighting its importance in the therapeutic arsenal.

A demanding gas: why material choice matters

Nitric oxide is a reactive and corrosive gas, especially at high concentrations. This makes it particularly demanding in terms of storage and administration. The precision of the equipment is critical: the same gas that can corrode metal components in a cylinder must be delivered to the patient at very low and carefully controlled doses.

Unlike brass, which corrodes rapidly in contact with NO, specific grades of stainless steel ensures maximum durability, reliability, and safety for both healthcare providers and patients.

Full range of products for nitric oxide therapy

Vipr in stainless steel: the D551 advantage

At Rotarex Meditec, we developed a unique solution: the Valve with Integrated Pressure Regulator (VIPR) D551, made of stainless steel, specifically designed for medical NO applications.

• A Rotarex exclusive: we are the only company to offer a fully stainless steel VIPR for NO.
• Usability improvements: enhanced safety, simplified operation with a convenient on/off control button, and pre-set pressure settings optimized for NO therapy.
• Safety improvements for the patient: secure delivery of NO therapy where the user never comes into contact with the high-pressure zone (HP), minimizing contamination or malfunction risks.

Cylinder Valves: robust safety for NO storage

Safe administration of NO begins with secure storage. Our D113 and D413 stainless steel cylinder valves are designed to withstand the corrosive nature of nitric oxide, ensuring:

• Maximum safety during cylinder handling and storage
• Long-lasting resistance to corrosion
• Reliable performance in demanding hospital environments, with outstanding mechanical robustness

Pressure Regulator for nitric oxide: precision and reliability

For accurate and stable delivery of nitric oxide, Rotarex offers a full range of stainless-steel regulators, including the DI235-NO. This regulator ensure:

• Precise pressure control under all operating conditions
• Reliable performance over time, even with a highly reactive gas
• Seamless integration with hospital gas supply systems

Conclusion

Nitric oxide has proven its therapeutic efficacy from newborns with life-threatening respiratory disorders to patients in intensive care. But its safe and effective use depends on the quality of the equipment.

With the D551 stainless steel VIPR, our cylinder valves D113/D413 and our regulator DI235-NO series, Rotarex Meditec stands as the trusted partner for the safe and reliable administration of iNO therapies.

Contact: Mathieu Chatelet, Senior Sales Manager MediTec

chatelet.mathieu@rotarex.com