Abstract: A method of reducing pathogens in blood by exposure to a nitric oxide containing gas in an extracorporeal circuitry is provided. The method includes: obtaining blood from a mammal or a blood source, separating the blood into plasma and blood cells, exposing the plasma to nitric oxide containing gas, combining the exposed plasma with the blood cells, reducing nitric oxide content in the recombined blood, and returning the blood to the mammal or blood source.

Abstract: Gas packages for the delivery of therapeutic gases, and in particular gaseous nitric oxide (gNO) are provided herein. The gas packages comprise one or more of a gas reservoir, interface layer, sealing layer, and holding container. The interface layer regulates discharge of the therapeutic gas from the gas reservoir to the external environment. The sealing layer and/or holding container prevent evolution of the gas until the sealing layer is compromised or the holding container is opened. The gas packages and methods for using them are useful for the treatment, alleviation, and prevention of various disease and non-disease, medical and non-medical, conditions in humans and animals.

Abstract: The administration of gaseous nitric oxide as a biocidal moiety is proffered as a de novo treatment in the control and eradication of biofilms. The present invention relates to the use or methods of application of exogenous nitric oxide gas (gNO) as a stand alone biocidal agent or in cohort with any or all adjunct vehicles in the control of biofilms generated by microbial organisms, i.e., bacteria, protozoa, amoeba, fungi etc. Further, the present invention introduces the concept of utilization and methods of application of gaseous nitric oxide in control and eradication of biofilm forming microorganisms. Other embodiments include the use of a nitric oxide releasing material to eradicate and-control the growth of biofilms. Another embodiment includes the use of a gaseous nitric oxide releasing material packaged in an air-tight container with a medical device to prevent the growth of biofilm on the medical device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating excess mucus accumulation in mammals by administering gaseous inhaled nitric oxide or nitric oxide releasing compounds as a mucolytic agent or expectorant are provided. Delivery of gaseous nitric oxide can be made nasally or orally and is preferably substantially coincident with inhalation of the mammal or based on a synchronous parameter of the mammal's respiratory cycle. Varying therapeutic profiles may be used for the delivery of gaseous nitric oxide depending on the severity of the excess mucus accumulation. Parameters for the therapeutic profiles may include flow rate of nitric oxide containing gas, duration of administration of nitric oxide containing gas, number of breaths for which nitric oxide containing gas is to be administered, and concentrations of therapeutic NO delivered to the airways.

Abstract: A method of reducing pathogens in blood by exposure to a nitric oxide containing gas in an extracorporeal circuitry is provided. The method includes: obtaining blood from a mammal or a blood source, separating the blood into plasma and blood cells, exposing the plasma to nitric oxide containing gas, combining the exposed plasma with the blood cells, reducing nitric oxide content in the recombined blood, and returning the blood to the mammal or blood source.

Abstract: The administration of aerosolized nitric oxide donors or type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor in controlled doses to horses during high intensity exercise is described. Aerosolized nitric oxide donors (in conjunction with intravenous type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor) and type V phosphodiesterase inhibitor are beneficial to prevent exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage by reducing transmural pulmonary artery pressure with a concomitant decrease in pulmonary capillary stress failure. The administration of aerosolized nitric oxide donors and type V phosphodiesterase inhibitors is viewed as a novel therapeutic modality in the alleviation of capillary stress failure and EIPH in performance horses.