Elekta Linear Accelerator Comparison Chart
This chart compares Elekta 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 two decades of innovation, marked by dramatic improvements in treatment delivery speed, precision, and imaging capabilities, from basic 3D radiation therapy to sophisticated MRI-guided adaptive treatment options.
| Model | Precise | Synergy/S | Synergy Platform | Compact | Infinity/Axesse | Versa HD | Harmony | Unity | EVO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years Manufactured | 1997-2005 | 2002 & newer | 2002 & newer | 2008 & newer | 2009 & newer | 2013 & newer | 2020 & newer | 2018 & newer | 2021 & newer |
| Power Source | Magnetron | Magnetron | Magnetron | Magnetron | Magnetron | Magnetron | Magnetron | Magnetron | Klystrons |
| Photon Energy Configuration | 6/10/15/18 MV | 6/10/15/18 MV | 6/10/15/18 MV | 6 MV | 6/10/15/18 MV | 6/10/15/18 MV | 6/10 MV FFF | 6/10 MV FFF | 6/10/15 MV |
| Max Dose Rate Photons | 500 MU/min | 600 MU/min | 600 MU/min | 500 MU/min | 600 MU/min | 600 MU/min (Standard), 2400 MU/min (FFF) | 600 MU/min (Standard), 1400 MU/min (FFF) | 600 MU/min (6MV), 1400 MU/min (10MV FFF) | 600 MU/min (Standard), 2400 MU/min (FFF) |
| Electron Energies | 4/6/8/10/12/15/18 MeV | 4/6/8/9/10/12/15/18/20 MeV | 4/6/8/9/10/12/15/18/20 MeV | No | 4/6/8/9/10/12/15/18 MeV | 4/6/8/9/10/12/15/18 MeV | 4/6/8/9/10/12/15 MeV | No | 4/6/8/10/12/15/18/22 MeV |
| Max Dose Rate Electrons | 400 MU/min | 600 MU/min | 600 MU/min | N/A | 600 MU/min | 1000 MU/min | 1000 MU/min | N/A | 1000 MU/min |
| Multi-Leaf Collimator (MLC)** | 80 (Field size 40x40cm, leaf thickness-10mm) | 80 (Field size 40x40cm, leaf thickness-10mm) Optional: 160 Agility | 80 (Field size 40x40cm, leaf thickness-10mm) Optional: 160 Agility | 80 (Field size 40x40cm, leaf thickness-10mm) | 80 (Field size 40x40cm, leaf thickness-10mm) Optional: 160 Agility | 160 Agility (Field size 40x40cm, leaf thickness-5mm) | 160 Agility (Field size 40x40cm, leaf thickness-5mm) | 160 Agility with magnetic field compatibility | 160 Agility (5mm) |
| Portal Imager(EPID)** | iViewGT(Amorphous Silicon), iView (camera based) | iViewGT(Amorphous Silicon) | iViewGT(Amorphous Silicon) | Optional | iViewGT(Amorphous Silicon) | iViewGT(Amorphous Silicon) | iViewGT(Amorphous Silicon) | No EPID due to MRI configuration | iViewGT (Amorphous Silicon) |
| Treatment Delivery | 3D, IMRT, SRS/SBRT (optional) | 3D, IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT (optional) | 3D, IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT (optional) | 3D, IMRT, SRS/SBRT (optional) | 3D, IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT (Axesse) | 3D, IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT, SRT, SABR | 3D, IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT, IGRT | MR-guided IMRT, VMAT, Adaptive RT | 3D, IMRT, VMAT, SRS/SBRT, Adaptive RT |
| KV Imaging for IGRT** | N/A | XVI | XVI Optional | N/A | XVI | XVI | XVI | MRI-based soft tissue imaging | XVI |
| CBCT | N/A | XVI | Optional with XVI | N/A | XVI | XVI | XVI | 1.5T MRI | XVI |
| iCBCT (Iterative Cone Beam CT) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes (with XVI 5.0) | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| VMAT | N/A | Yes | Only with XVI | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, with real-time MRI guidance | Yes |
| ART (Adaptive) | No | Limited offline with XVI | Limited offline with XVI | No | Offline with XVI | Offline/Online with XVI | Offline/Online with XVI | Online daily MRI-guided adaptation | Online/Offline CBCT-based adaptation |
| Treatment Couch | Precise | Precise | Precise | Precise | Precise, Hexapod (optional) | Hexapod (6 degrees of motion) | Carbon Fiber | MR-compatible with auto positioning | Hexapod with auto positioning |
| Pros | Many systems available in secondary market Relatively inexpensive to acquire Some are dismantled and used for parts | Reliable, digital technology Includes the XVi KV-imaging | Relatively inexpensive in secondary market | Good, budget system for international markets Reliable | Digital System | Latest, cutting-edge technology Competes with Varian TrueBeam Integrates VMAT, gating, CBCT | Advanced digital technology with cutting-edge imaging and beam delivery features, versatile treatment capabilities, improved accuracy with XVI CBCT | Real-time MR guidance, superior soft tissue visualization | Advanced automation, high precise delivery |
| Cons | Installation costs can double the cost of equipment | Limited FFF capabilities; less advanced MLC options without the Agility upgrade | Does not include XVi component Fewer trained service engineers in U.S. than Varian | None available in the U.S. Single photon energy only | Few installed in the U.S. | More expensive than other devices None available in the secondary market yet | Complex operation requiring specialized training, high initial and maintenance costs, significant space needed for system and ancillary equipment | Higher cost, requires specialized MRI training, limited electron capabilities, room shielding requirements for MRI, longer treatment times for adaptive planning | Higher initial cost compared to standard linacs, requires specialized training for advanced features, complex QA procedures |
*Updated 4/8/2025
Understanding Linear Accelerator Specifications and Key Features
- Photon Energy Configuration – Available energy levels for treatment, with different configurations suitable for various treatment depths and types
- MU/min (Monitor Units per minute) – Measures dose delivery speed, with higher rates enabling faster treatments, including standard and FFF (Flattening Filter Free) modes
- Multi-Leaf Collimator (MLC) – Number of leaves and leaf width directly impact the system’s ability to conform to complex tumor shapes, affecting treatment accuracy
- Treatment Capabilities – Options range from basic 3D to advanced techniques like IMRT, VMAT, and adaptive radiotherapy
- IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy) – Capabilities vary by model, from basic portal imaging to sophisticated MRI guidance
- Electron Energy Options – Availability and configurations affect the versatility of the system for different treatment types
- Imaging Systems – The presence and type (EPID, XVI, CBCT) determine the machine’s ability to verify and adapt treatments
- 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 Elekta 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.