Varian TrueBeam Family
Successor to the Clinac iX / Trilogy generation. Digital control architecture (vs Clinac's analog-based interlock/control), higher dose rates, better IGRT imaging, integrated motion management. Current OEM production.
What TrueBeam changed
- Digital control architecture — thousands of fewer analog interlocks; faster fault diagnosis
- Higher dose rates — 1400 MU/min standard; 2400 MU/min FFF (flattening-filter-free) on the Edge variant
- FFF (flattening-filter-free) beams — 6 MV FFF + 10 MV FFF added alongside conventional 6 / 10 / 15 / 18 MV
- Improved imaging — kV-kV-MV triangulation, gated cone-beam CT, 4D CBCT
- RapidArc evolution — standard on TrueBeam vs licensed optional on Clinac iX
- Real-time motion management — Calypso + RPM + Respiratory Gating integrated
Variants
- TrueBeam (standard) — workhorse dual-energy 6/15 or 6/18 MV
- TrueBeam STx — SRS-optimized variant with HD 120 MLC + fast couch (PerfectPitch)
- TrueBeam ProCare — service-contract-oriented tier
- Varian Edge — separate System Card — compact SRS/SBRT-dedicated
- Varian Halcyon — separate System Card — ring-gantry alternative
Clinical positioning
Dominant linac for hospitals that value a broad application envelope (routine IMRT/VMAT + SRS/SBRT capability + advanced imaging). Competes head-on with the Elekta Versa HD and Infinity.
Clinac iX → TrueBeam upgrade path
Varian has offered upgrade programs — the existing vault room + shielding are preserved; the gantry + control chassis are replaced. Economics: cheaper than greenfield replacement but not cheap. Many Clinac iX centers opted for ProCure or TrueBeam refresh rather than full replacement.