Foldable Non Magnetic MRI Scoop Stretcher with 3 Adjustable Safety Straps for

The Lightweight Composite MRI Scoop Stretcher is a split-leaf design for log-rolling trauma patients onto the stretcher without lifting them. The two leaves are placed under the patient from either side, then latched together to form a rigid patient transport surface. This technique is standard in emergency medicine for patients with suspected spinal injuries, as it minimizes movement of the head and neck. This MRI-compatible version is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and contains no metal components whatsoever.

The split-leaf design consists of two halves, each measuring 72 inches long and 11 inches wide. When latched together, the combined width is 22 inches – sufficient for most adult patients. Each leaf is shaped to conform to the patient’s body, with a slight curve that matches the natural curvature of the spine. The leaves are not padded – padding would add bulk and make it difficult to slide the leaves under the patient. Instead, the patient’s own clothing or a thin disposable sheet provides cushioning.

Each leaf is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer with a honeycomb core. The honeycomb core provides stiffness with minimal weight; the carbon-fiber facesheets provide strength and impact resistance. The entire unit weighs only 12 pounds – less than half the weight of a traditional metal scoop stretcher. This lightweight design is critical for MRI use, where staff may need to carry the stretcher into the MRI room and position it on the scanner table.

The leaves latch together using large plastic clips – no metal springs or pins. The clips are made of glass-filled nylon and are located at three points along the length of the stretcher: head, chest, and feet. To latch the leaves, the operator aligns the two halves and presses them together until the clips snap into place. The clips provide an audible click when fully engaged. To release the leaves, the operator squeezes two tabs on each clip simultaneously – a design that prevents accidental release while allowing rapid disassembly.

Both leaves are radiolucent, permitting X-ray and CT imaging without removing the patient. The radiolucency extends to the clips and hinges, so there are no artifacts in the image. The leaves are also non-conductive and non-magnetic, making them safe for use in the MRI bore. The stretcher can be placed directly on the MRI scanner table and used as the patient support surface during scanning – eliminating the need to transfer the patient off the stretcher.

The head end of the stretcher includes a radiolucent holder for a spine coil. The holder is a recessed area with Velcro straps that secure a standard MRI spine coil in position under the patient’s neck and upper back. The holder does not interfere with the latching mechanism or the overall rigidity of the stretcher. The holder is compatible with most major MRI manufacturer’s spine coils, and adapters are available for non-standard coil designs.

The stretcher can go into the MRI head-first for cervical spine imaging. Because the stretcher contains no metal, there is no risk of projectile injury or image artifact. The patient remains on the stretcher throughout the imaging session; after the scan, the stretcher is removed from the bore, the clips are released, and the leaves are slid out from under the patient. The entire process – from log-rolling onto the stretcher to completing the MRI – can be performed with the patient’s spine immobilized at all times.

No assembly tools are required. The stretcher comes fully assembled and ready to use. It can be stored in a wall-mounted bracket or on a standard stretcher rack. The manufacturer recommends that each MRI suite have at least two scoop stretchers available: one for adult patients and one for pediatric patients (a smaller version is available, measuring 48 inches long and 18 inches wide).

The weight capacity is 400 pounds, verified through load testing. The stretcher was loaded with 400 pounds of sandbags distributed evenly, then lifted by four staff members using the integrated handholds. No deformation or clip failure occurred. The stretcher was also tested for 5,000 latching/unlatching cycles with no loss of function.

Clinical applications include trauma patients with suspected spinal injuries, patients with multiple fractures who cannot be lifted, and patients in cervical collars or spinal immobilization boards. The scoop stretcher is also useful for bariatric patients, as it distributes weight evenly and can be used with multiple staff members lifting from both sides. One trauma center reported a 50 percent reduction in patient movement during MRI preparation after switching to this scoop stretcher, compared to log-rolling onto a standard MRI table.

Optional accessories include a set of disposable foam pads that fit inside the leaves for patient comfort, a carrying case made of ballistic nylon for transport and storage, and a training video that demonstrates the proper technique for log-rolling patients onto the stretcher.