Foldable Non-Magnetic MRI Stretcher with 200 Kg Weight Capacity and Built-In IV

The MRI Stretcher with Built-In IV Tree addresses the challenge of managing intravenous lines during MRI transport and scanning. Patients undergoing contrast-enhanced MRI studies require IV access, and the IV pole must be positioned so that the IV bags do not enter the MRI bore while still allowing the patient to be fully scanned. This stretcher integrates two telescoping IV poles into the undercarriage, keeping them out of the way when not needed and deploying quickly when required.

The two IV poles are made of polycarbonate, a transparent engineering plastic that is strong, lightweight, and non-magnetic. Each pole is 1 inch in diameter and telescopes from 48 inches (retracted) to 78 inches (extended). The extension is achieved by pulling the inner section upward; a plastic thumb screw locks the pole at any height. The inner section is marked with graduations every 6 inches, allowing staff to set a consistent height for different patients or procedures.

When not in use, the IV poles fold flat into recessed channels under the stretcher deck. The channels are molded into the undercarriage and are 48 inches long – the same as the retracted pole length. The poles snap into the channels using nylon clips; to deploy a pole, the operator releases the clip and swings the pole upward. The pole then telescopes to the desired height. Stowing the pole is the reverse: collapse the pole, swing it down into the channel, and press until the clip engages.

The pole is positioned to keep IV bags from entering the 70-centimeter bore opening. When the stretcher is positioned for scanning, the patient’s head or feet may be inside the bore, but the IV pole – mounted near the center of the stretcher – remains outside. The pole can be positioned on either side of the stretcher, depending on which arm the IV is placed in. Two pole mounting locations are provided on each side, allowing the pole to be positioned at the head end or foot end as needed.

Each pole has two IV hooks at the top, each rated for 5 pounds. The hooks are made of polycarbonate and are shaped to prevent IV bags from sliding off. The hooks can be rotated 360 degrees and lock into position with a detent. The pole also has a clip for securing IV tubing, preventing the tubing from dragging on the floor or getting caught in the wheels. The clip is made of soft rubber and will not damage the tubing.

The stretcher’s overall width is 26 inches, and the length is 79 inches – optimized to pass through standard MRI doors. Retractable side rails (optional) do not interfere with IV lines; the rails are designed with a cutout that allows IV tubing to pass through even when the rails are raised. The rails are made of polymer and lock into place with non-metallic clips.

The deck is 78 inches long and 24 inches wide, with a non-slip textured surface. The deck height is adjustable from 22 to 32 inches using non-magnetic hydraulics. Four 5-inch casters with conductive rubber treads and ceramic bearings provide mobility. Two casters have total-lock brakes; two have directional locks. The weight capacity is 400 pounds.

Clinical applications include any MRI study requiring IV contrast. In a typical contrast-enhanced MRI, the patient is positioned on the stretcher and moved into the bore. The IV pole is deployed and positioned so that the IV bags hang at a height that provides adequate flow. The contrast injector (which is not part of the stretcher) can be placed on a separate cart or on the stretcher’s undercarriage storage tray. For dynamic contrast studies where timing is critical, the built-in IV tree allows the injector to be positioned close to the patient without entering the bore.

The built-in IV tree also reduces clutter in the MRI suite. Standard IV poles are freestanding and can tip over if bumped; they also take up floor space that may be needed for other equipment. By integrating the IV poles into the stretcher, this product eliminates the need for separate IV poles and reduces the risk of tripping or toppling.

Optional accessories include a second set of IV hooks (allowing four IV bags to be hung simultaneously), an extension arm that moves the IV hooks 6 inches outward from the pole (useful for patients with IVs placed in the hand or wrist), and a tubing management system consisting of a set of clips and channels that route IV tubing along the stretcher frame. The manufacturer provides a compatibility list for common MRI contrast injectors, indicating which injectors can be mounted to the stretcher’s undercarriage.