Varian Medical Systems

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. is an American radiation oncology treatments and software maker with headquarters in Palo Alto, California. The company was founded in 1948 as Varian Associates and is a leading manufacturer of medical devices and software for treating cancer and other medical conditions with radiotherapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy, and brachytherapy.

History

Varian Medical Systems was originally part of Varian Associates, which was founded in 1948 by brothers Russell and Sigurd Varian along with several other partners. The company initially focused on developing the klystron, a high-frequency amplifier for use in radar and other applications. In 1999, Varian Associates split into three separate companies: Varian Medical Systems, Varian, Inc., and Agilent Technologies.

Products and Services

Varian Medical Systems offers a wide range of products and services designed to improve cancer treatment and patient care. These include:

• Radiotherapy Systems: Varian provides advanced radiotherapy systems such as the TrueBeam and Halcyon systems, which are used for precise and efficient cancer treatment.
• Proton Therapy Systems: The company offers proton therapy solutions, including the ProBeam system, which delivers targeted proton beams to treat tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Brachytherapy: Varian's brachytherapy solutions involve placing radioactive sources directly inside or next to the area requiring treatment.
• Software Solutions: Varian develops software for treatment planning, patient management, and data analysis, including the Eclipse Treatment Planning System and the ARIA Oncology Information System.

Research and Development

Varian Medical Systems invests heavily in research and development to advance cancer treatment technologies. The company collaborates with leading academic institutions, hospitals, and research organizations to develop innovative solutions for cancer care.

Global Presence

Varian Medical Systems operates globally, with offices and facilities in various countries. The company serves customers in over 100 countries, providing advanced cancer treatment solutions to healthcare providers worldwide.

Acquisition by Siemens Healthineers

In August 2020, Siemens Healthineers announced its intention to acquire Varian Medical Systems for $16.4 billion. The acquisition was completed in April 2021, making Varian a wholly-owned subsidiary of Siemens Healthineers.

See Also

• Radiation therapy
• Proton therapy
• Brachytherapy
• Cancer treatment
• Medical device