Varian High Energy Linear Accelerator Comparison Chart
This chart compares Varian linear accelerator models across multiple generations, providing key specifications and features to assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions about radiation therapy equipment. The portfolio showcases over three decades of innovation, from the foundational Clinac series to the advanced Edge system, marked by improvements in treatment precision, imaging integration, and specialized capabilities for stereotactic treatments.
| Model | Edge | TrueBeam / VitalBeam | Trilogy | Clinac iX | Clinac <2100C / 2100CD | Clinac 21EX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Variations | Edge Radiosurgery System | TrueBeam STX, SVC (Small Vault Configuration), VitalBeam | Trilogy STX, Novalis, Trilogy Silhouette | iX Silhouette, DMX, DHX, 2100C, CX | 2100C, 2300C/D, 2100C/D | 21EX Silhouette, 2100C, 2100C/D 23EX |
| Years Manufactured | 2013 & newer | 2010 & newer | 2005 & newer | 2004 - current | 1987-2007 | 1998-2007 |
| Power Source | Klystron | Klystron | Klystron | Klystron | Klystron | Klystron |
| Photon Energy Configuration | 6/10 MV | 6 & 10/15/18/25 | 6 & 10/15/18/25 | 6 & 10/15/18/25 | 6 & 10/15/18/25 | 6 & 10/15/18/25 |
| Max Dose Rate Photons | 600 MU/min, 2400 MU/min with FFF | 600 MU/min, 2400 MU/min with FFF | 600 MU/min, 1000 MU/min for SRS | 600 MU/min | 600 MU/min | 600 MU/min |
| Electron Energies | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Dose Rate Electrons | 1000 MU/min | 1000 MU/min | 1000 MU/min | 1000 MU/min | 1000 MU/min | 1000 MU/min |
| Multi-Leaf Collimator (MLC) | 120 (Field size 40x40cm, Central 20cm of field - 5mm leaf width, Outer 20cm of field - 10mm leaf width) | 120 (Field size 40x40cm, Central 20cm of field - 5mm leaf width, Outer 20cm of field - 10mm leaf width) | 120 (Field size 40x40cm, Central 20cm of field - 5mm leaf width, Outer 20cm of field - 10mm leaf width) | 80 (Field size 40x40cm); 120 MLC (Field size 40x40cm, Central 20cm of field - 5mm leaf width, Outer 20cm of field - 10mm leaf width) | 80 (Field size 40x40cm); 120 MLC (Field size 40x40cm, Central 20cm of field - 5mm leaf width, Outer 20cm of field - 10mm leaf width) | 80 (Field size 40x40cm); 120 MLC (Field size 40x40cm, Central 20cm of field - 5mm leaf width, Outer 20cm of field - 10mm leaf width) |
| Portal Imager(EPID) | aS1000 | aS1000 | aS1000 | aS500, aS1000 | LC250, aS500, aS1000 (optional) | LC250, aS500, aS1000 (optional) |
| Treatment Delivery | 3D, IMRT, SRS/SBRT | 3D, IMRT, RapidArc, SRS/SBRT | 3D, IMRT, RapidArc, SRS/SBRT | 3D, IMRT, RapidArc, SRS/SBRT (optional) | 3D, IMRT, SRS/SBRT (optional) | 3D, IMRT, SRS/SBRT (optional) |
| KV Imaging for IGRT | OBI | OBI | OBI | OBI (optional) | OBI (optional) | OBI (optional) |
| Cone-Beam CT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Only with OBI | Only with OBI | Only with OBI |
| iCBCT (Iterative Cone Beam CT) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| ART (Adaptive) | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| VMAT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Only with OBI | Only with OBI | Only with OBI |
| Stereotactic Radiosurgery | Integrated with Linear Accelerator (LINAC) | Integrated with Linear Accelerator (LINAC) | Integrated with Linear Accelerator (LINAC) | Optional Cones or mMLC | Optional Cones or mMLC | Optional Cones or mMLC |
| Treatment Couch | PerfectPitch | Exact IGRT | Exact IGRT | Exact, Exact IGRT (optional) | ETR, Exact (optional) | Exact |
| Silhouette Option Available for Smaller Room Size | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pros | Purpose-built for SRS/SBRT - Up to 2400 MU/min with FFF (short treatments) - PerfectPitch 6-DOF couch - OBI+CBCT+iCBCT+gating integrated - HyperArc-ready | Most versatile Varian platform - RapidArc VMAT + high dose rates - iCBCT + ART (adaptive) - Strong OEM support & parts availability - High resale value/large installed base | Proven for 3D/IMRT/RapidArc/SBRT - Lower cost than TrueBeam with similar core beams - Great upgrade from iX - Tight isocenter - Broad parts/service availability | Reliable workhorse - Flexible 80/120 MLC and OBI options - Lower capital cost - Handles IMRT and RapidArc (where equipped) - Ideal for added capacity | Time-tested & reliable - Great value for startups/backup - Easy to service with abundant parts - Supports 3D and IMRT with upgrades - Low total acquisition cost | Comparable beam performance to iX at lower price - Supports 3D/IMRT and stereotactic cones - Optional 80/120-leaf MLC variants - Cost-effective entry option - Maintainable with readily available parts |
| Cons | Higher initial cost vs older linacs - Typically requires newer vault/software environment - Limited availability on secondary market (sourcing can take time) | Higher acquisition & service costs than older Clinacs - Requires modern IT infrastructure & trained staff - Possible vault changes for STX/SVC | Aging components may need refresh - No iCBCT/ART upgrade path - Supply tightening as units are retired | May lack advanced imaging/VMAT unless upgraded - Older software UI - Some units have high beam hours | Missing modern features unless retrofitted (CBCT, RapidArc) - Limited inventory with desired upgrades - Some units near end-of-life needing refurbishment | Older technology with fewer upgrade paths - Higher install/integration costs relative to age - Many units have higher beam hours |
| HyperArc Upgrade Option | Yes | Yes | no | no | no | no |
*Updated 4/8/2025
Understanding Linear Accelerator Specifications and Key Features These specifications and features differentiate Varian linear accelerator models and impact their clinical capabilities:
- Photon Energy Configuration – Available energy levels for treatment, with configurations typically including 6MV and higher energies suitable for different treatment depths and types
- MLC (Multi-Leaf Collimator) – Varian’s designs range from 80 to 120 leaves, with high-definition (HD) models featuring 2.5mm central leaf width for enhanced precision in stereotactic treatments
- Treatment Capabilities – Evolution from basic 3D conformal therapy to advanced techniques including IMRT, RapidArc (Varian’s VMAT implementation), and specialized SRS/SBRT delivery
- IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy) – On-Board Imager (OBI) capabilities vary by model, with newer systems offering fully integrated kV imaging and CBCT
- Dose Rate Options – Higher dose rates in newer models enable faster treatment delivery, particularly important for stereotactic treatments
- Treatment Couch – Progression from standard ETR to high-precision PerfectPitch with 6-degree movement for enhanced positioning accuracy
- Stereotactic Capabilities – Evolution from optional add-on systems to fully integrated stereotactic delivery platforms in newer models
- iCBCT (Iterative Cone Beam CT) – Advanced imaging reconstruction techniques available on newer models for improved image quality with lower radiation dose
- ART (Adaptive Radiotherapy) – Capabilities for treatment adaptation based on anatomical changes during treatment course, with varying levels of implementation across the product line
Feedback and Updates This comparison chart is maintained to provide current and accurate information about Varian linear accelerator models. Given the ongoing advancement of radiation therapy technology and the medical equipment market, we welcome feedback to ensure this resource remains valuable for healthcare professionals making equipment decisions. Feel free to Contact Us to speak with a radiation oncology specialist about your specific needs or questions.