Although nitric oxide did not reduce the risk of all neurologic complications, only 12% of the infants who received it suffered a severe brain haemorrhage or tissue damage, compared to 24% of those who did not.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Gas cuts risk to premature babies

The method also overcomes limitations posed by current treatments in which radiation may damage portions of healthy brain tissue.

ENGADGET: Researchers develop femtosecond laser that can diagnose, blast cancerous tumors

The MRIs can tell how much brain tissue can be saved, and those patients with irreversible damage don't get the drug.

FORBES: Brain Repair