disclosed are methods of treating , inhibiting or preventing vascular thrombosis or arterial restenosis in a mammal . the disclosed methods include causing the mammal to inhale a therapeutically - effective concentration of gaseous nitric oxide . also disclosed are methods that include the administration of the following types of agents in conjunction with inhaled nitric oxide : compounds that potentiate the beneficial effects of inhaled nitric oxide , and antithrombotic agents that complement or supplement the beneficial effects of inhaled nitric oxide .