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.
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)
Exact
ETR, Exact (optional)
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
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
Time-tested & reliable - Great value for startups/backup - Easy to service with abundant parts - Supports 3D and IMRT with upgrades - Low total acquisition cost
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
Older technology with fewer upgrade paths - Higher install/integration costs relative to age - Many units have higher beam hours
Missing modern features unless retrofitted (CBCT, RapidArc) - Limited inventory with desired upgrades - Some units near end-of-life needing refurbishment
HyperArc Upgrade Option
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
*Updated 9/29/2025
**2012 is the most recent confirmed year of manufacture (YOM).
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.
