intravenous syringe pump, any one of several devices that automatically compress a syringe plunger at a controlled rate. Such devices are used with disposable syringes that can deliver blood, medications, or nutrients by IV, arterial, or subcutaneous routes. IV syringe pumps can deliver small volumes of fluid at rates as low as 0.01 mL/hr. They are often used in the treatment of infants and are especially useful in the care of ambulatory patients. They are ideal for keeping arterial lines open and are usually battery operated and portable. Compare intravenous controller, intravenous peristaltic pump, intravenous piston pump.
