Varian hopes its newest linear accelerator, the VitalBeam, will appeal to radiation therapy facilities looking for a state-of-the-art stereotactic radiotherapy platform, while also keeping an eye on the bottom line.
The system, which is still pending CE mark and approval, will be available in a basic package with an 80-leaf collimator for performing intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The VitalBeam will offer up to three photon and six electron energy levels for flexibility in treatment. It will also be compatible with RapidArc, which can be added in the interest of reducing treatment time through higher dose delivery rates, an on-board kV X-ray system with cone beam CT capabilities, and a higher-resolution 120-lead collimator.
Kolleen Kennedy, president of Varian's Oncology Systems business described it as, "A flexible and upgradeable system that affordably meets the clinical needs of our customers today and as they grow in the future," in a statement.
VitalBeam will be available with low-dose megavoltage (MV) imaging using the accelerator beam for image guidance, and respiratory gating for motion management. It also features a streamlined treatment console with an easy-to-use graphical interface, and a guidance system that prompts therapists safely through the steps of even the most complex treatments.
"Customers can configure the system the way that they want it," said Tim Clark, head of European marketing for Varian's Oncology Systems business, in the release. "They can choose to start with one configuration and add capabilities over time, at a pace that suits them. It is distinct from our versatile TrueBeam radiotherapy and radiosurgery platform in that VitalBeam is optimized for advanced radiotherapy while TrueBeam systems were designed to handle both."
