In the past few years, doctors have discovered that nitric oxide, a substance that naturally occurs in the body, has the ability to relax the blood vessels of the lungs. This discovery had lead to a new respiratory therapy that provides relief to children with acute respiratory conditions and those recovering from complex surgeries involving the heart and lungs. An active research community is currently exploring new uses for nitric oxide, which may include treatment for sickle cell anemia and other conditions.

Children's Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, is one of the few places in the region offering inhaled nitric oxide therapy. The NICU and PICU teams are made up of specially trained nurses, neonatologists, pediatric intensivists, respiratory technicians and pediatric subspecialists contributing as needed.

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