Content Area- ADULT CRITICAL CARE
Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has long been a cornerstone therapy in neonatal and pediatric critical care, but recent advances are rapidly transforming its role across a wide range of clinical environments. This session will take respiratory therapists on a journey from the molecular basis of nitric oxide to its bedside applications in modern critical care units, operating rooms, and even potential out-of-hospital settings.
Participants will explore both established and emerging indications of iNO, including its novel use as an antimicrobial agent for pneumonia, its integration into ECMO circuits, and its relevance in managing right ventricular failure and post-operative acute kidney injury. The talk will emphasize the critical role of RTs in the safe and effective delivery of nitric oxide, highlighting key monitoring parameters, troubleshooting strategies, and the need for precise titration tailored to patient physiology. The session will also review technological advancements in iNO delivery, including new portable devices, and briefly compare iNO with other inhaled pulmonary vasodilators such as inhaled prostacyclins (e.g., epoprostenol) and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, focusing on pharmacokinetics, delivery complexity, and monitoring needs.
Through clinical scenarios, new data, and a forward-looking perspective, this session presents a vision for the future of NO therapy, one where RTs are not just users but champions of innovation, safety, and multidisciplinary excellence.
Broadcast date: July 24, 2025
Broadcast time:
2pm Eastern
1pm Central
12pm Mountain Daylight
11am Mountain Standard (Arizona)
11am Pacific
Approved for 1.00 CRCE Hours.
SEMINAR OBJECTIVES
Describe the physiologic mechanisms and clinical indications of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy, with an emphasis on its role in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary effects.
Identify the key safety parameters and monitoring strategies required for the safe administration of iNO, including methemoglobin levels, NO₂ formation, and systemic absorption.
Discuss the expanding role of respiratory therapists in emerging applications of iNO therapy, such as antimicrobial delivery, perioperative support, and use in ECMO or out-of-hospital settings.