Zoë O’Sullivan’s device empowers people with lymphoedema to carry out vital therapy themselves
A Maynooth University design graduate has won the Irish leg of this year’s James Dyson Award for her invention, Lymphia — a device that allows patients to carry out lymphatic drainage therapy at home.
Zoë O’Sullivan designed the handheld tool to help people with conditions such as lipedema and lymphoedema, who often rely on costly compression devices or frequent physiotherapy sessions.
Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is disrupted, causing swelling. It most commonly affects the arms and legs, but can also impact other parts of the body.
Lymphia uses small steel balls to precisely stimulate lymphatic vessels, enabling patients to perform Manual Lymphatic Drainage independently.
O’Sullivan was inspired by a friend with lymphoedema and her own recovery from breast reduction surgery, during which she experienced fluid retention and saw the benefits of drainage therapy.
Welcoming her award O'Sullivan said "I am thrilled about winning the national Dyson award for Lymphia. It feels great to have my work acknowledged and so highly praised, and I am grateful for the awareness it will raise about lymphoedema and breast cancer.”
The €6,000 prize money will go towards funding a patent application.
Lymphia is now set to progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award.
The international top 20 shortlist will be announced on October 15th and the international winners on November 5th.
Further Increase Expected In Number Of Landlords Leaving Property Market, As Price Of Three-Bed Semi Rises In Kildare
Over 1,700 Garda Checkpoints In Operation Over Christmas Period, With Naas RPU Detecting Multiple Speeding Motorists
€1.2m Approved For Zipline And High Ropes Adventure Centre At Donadea
Fury After Sallins Sunshine Club Misses Out On Funding As Other Counties Get Millions
Christmas Appeal To Adopt Dogs As Euthanasia Figures Rise
Speed Enforcement To Increase In Kildare With 21 New Camera Zones To Be Rolled Out In January
Over 400 Motorists Caught Speeding So Far Today, Including A Driver In Kilcock
Transport Minister In Discussions With Irish Rail About Extending Late-Night Trains Beyond Christmas
