600 lb Capacity MRI Stretcher with Non-Magnetic Aluminum Alloy and Full Surround Rubber Bumper

The Bariatric MRI Stretcher with 600-pound capacity is engineered to safely transport and position larger patients inside the MRI suite. Bariatric patients present unique challenges: they are heavier, wider, and often have comorbidities that make frequent transfers between devices undesirable. This stretcher addresses all of these challenges with a widened frame, reinforced materials, and oversized components – all while maintaining complete non-magnetic properties up to 3T.

The frame is widened to 32 inches – six inches wider than a standard stretcher. This extra width accommodates patients with larger body habitus without the need for overhang, which can cause pressure injuries and instability. The frame is constructed from titanium-reinforced polymer, a composite material that combines the lightness of plastic with the strength of metal – but without any ferromagnetic content. Titanium is completely non-magnetic and has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The polymer matrix is fiberglass-reinforced, providing additional stiffness and impact resistance.

The deck is a single-piece fiberglass laminate with a non-slip textured surface. Unlike padded decks that can compress unevenly under heavy patients, this rigid deck distributes weight evenly across the frame. The deck is also radiolucent, allowing portable X-ray without patient transfer. The non-slip texture is essential for bariatric patients, who may have difficulty maintaining position on smooth surfaces. The texture is molded into the deck surface, not applied as a coating, so it will not wear off over time.

Four heavy-duty casters, each 6 inches in diameter, are mounted at the corners. These are not standard medical casters – they are specifically designed for bariatric loads, with dual ceramic bearings per wheel and a forged aluminum yoke. The load rating per caster is 200 pounds, providing a total capacity of 800 pounds with a 4:1 safety factor. The casters use conductive rubber treads that are wider than standard (1.5 inches) to distribute weight and reduce floor marking. Two casters have total-lock brakes; the other two have directional locks.

Push handles are welded aluminum with no steel screws. The handles are positioned at 42 inches above the floor – slightly higher than standard handles – to provide better leverage when maneuvering a loaded stretcher. The handles are wrapped in textured rubber for a secure grip, even with gloved hands. Two handles are provided at each end, allowing two staff members to push or pull simultaneously. In clinical practice, moving a loaded bariatric stretcher often requires two people, and the dual handles make this cooperative effort safer and more efficient.

A removable extender panel adds 6 inches of length to the deck, accommodating patients up to 7 feet tall. The extender attaches using four brass locking pins and can be installed or removed in under 30 seconds. When not in use, the extender stores under the main deck in a dedicated slot. The extender is made of the same fiberglass laminate as the main deck, so it is radiolucent and non-magnetic.

The weight capacity of 600 pounds has been verified through destructive testing. The stretcher was loaded incrementally to 750 pounds – 25 percent above rated capacity – with no permanent deformation or failure. The testing was conducted by an independent laboratory, and certificates are available upon request. The stretcher also passed ASTM F2052-21 testing for magnetically induced displacement force, with a measured force of less than 0.1 percent of the stretcher’s weight at 3T.

Clinical applications include routine bariatric MRI, emergency department transport for bariatric trauma patients, and interventional MRI procedures where the patient cannot be transferred repeatedly. Bariatric units in hospitals have reported a significant reduction in staff injuries since adopting this stretcher – lifting and transferring bariatric patients is a leading cause of musculoskeletal injury among healthcare workers, and this stretcher eliminates many of those transfers.

Optional accessories include a bariatric-sized restraint system with extra-long straps and reinforced plastic buckles, a patient positioning wedge set made of non-magnetic foam, and an extra-wide IV pole with a reinforced base. The stretcher is also available with an integrated scale – a non-magnetic mechanical scale that can weigh patients up to 600 pounds without requiring them to stand.