SGRT comparison
Varian Identify alternative: VisionRT AlignRT
Varian Identify brings patient identification, accessory checks and surface guidance into the Varian workflow. If the clinical requirement is robust surface guided radiotherapy, AlignRT is the dedicated VisionRT SGRT platform to evaluate.
What Varian Identify is trying to solve
Patient identification
Identify is presented as a workflow that can include palm-vein biometric confirmation before treatment.
Accessory verification
RFID-based accessory recognition can help reduce setup errors when a department is standardised around the Varian ecosystem.
Surface guidance
The SGRT component uses visible light to compare the patient surface with the planned setup and monitor motion during delivery.
Motion management
Identify is positioned for SRS, SBRT and breath-hold support inside a Varian / Siemens Healthineers workflow.
The AlignRT route
AlignRT is a dedicated surface guided radiation therapy system from VisionRT. It uses ceiling-mounted 3D stereo camera units to generate a real-time model of the patient surface, referenced to treatment isocentre, for setup and intrafraction monitoring.
- Real-time surface tracking without additional imaging dose.
- 6DoF monitoring during the fraction, with beam-hold integration where clinically configured.
- Support for DIBH, breast, head and neck, prostate, extremities, paediatric and non-coplanar workflows.
- Open-mask frameless cranial SRS with the stereotactic module.
- Vendor-neutral SGRT planning for departments that do not want SGRT tied to one linac ecosystem.
Side-by-side decision table
| Decision point | VisionRT AlignRT | Varian Identify |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Dedicated SGRT platform for surface-guided setup and intrafraction monitoring. | Integrated workflow combining patient verification, accessory verification and SGRT in the Varian environment. |
| Surface technology | 3D stereo camera surface tracking with projected speckle pattern. | Visible-light surface imaging for setup and motion monitoring. |
| Degrees of freedom | 6DoF surface monitoring for translational and rotational deviations. | Surface-guidance workflow for patient setup and motion management; confirm current configuration against Varian documentation. |
| Beam hold | Beam-hold integration when the patient leaves the configured tolerance. | Motion-management workflow can support treatment interruption according to Varian configuration. |
| DIBH and breast workflows | Established DIBH and tattoo-free breast setup workflows. | Breath-hold support within the Varian workflow. |
| SRS / SBRT | Open-mask, frameless SRS workflows with the stereotactic module, plus SBRT surface monitoring. | SRS and SBRT positioned as supported clinical workflows. |
| Patient biometrics | Not the primary function; AlignRT focuses on SGRT. | Palm-vein biometric patient identification is part of the Identify value proposition. |
| Accessory identification | Not the primary function; accessory control is handled through departmental workflow. | RFID accessory verification can be included. |
| Linac strategy | Vendor-neutral SGRT route for mixed or future-changing linac fleets. | Best fit for centres standardised around Varian / Siemens Healthineers workflows. |
| Best fit | Departments that want a mature, dedicated SGRT platform with broad clinical workflows. | Departments that value an integrated Varian patient/accessory/SGRT workflow above vendor-neutral SGRT. |
This table is intentionally conservative. Current manufacturer datasheets and site-specific linac interfaces should be checked before procurement.
When AlignRT is the stronger SGRT discussion
SGRT as the core requirement
If the need is surface-guided positioning, intrafraction monitoring and DIBH, a dedicated SGRT platform keeps the decision clean.
Mixed accelerator environments
AlignRT is a better planning route when the service does not want SGRT locked to a single accelerator family.
Open-mask SRS
The stereotactic workflow allows cranial SRS without a closed mask or invasive frame when the clinical protocol supports it.
Patient experience
Tattoo-free setup and optical monitoring can make workflows more comfortable while preserving positioning control.
Related SGRT pages: SGRT with AlignRT · C-RAD vs AlignRT · AlignRT at IPO Lisbon
Need to compare Identify with AlignRT?
Send us your linac context, TPS/OIS environment, clinical sites and SGRT goals. Interphysix can help validate whether AlignRT is the right route for your department.
Product and brand names belong to their respective owners. This page is an informational technical comparison and does not imply endorsement or partnership with competitor brands. Specifications are based on public manufacturer information and existing Interphysix content, and should be confirmed against current official datasheets before purchase.
Última actualização: 30/06/2026