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.
Maynooth University extends warm congratulations to product design graduate Zoë O’Sullivan, who has been named National Winner for Ireland at this year's prestigious James Dyson Award for her invention Lymphia. Lymphia is a handheld portable device that teaches and guides patients through manual lymphatic drainage massage. It is designed to support recovery and help prevent lymphoedema, a chronic condition caused by fluid build-up after breast cancer treatment. Zoë O’Sullivan created Lymphia as part of the final year of her BSc in Product Design and Innovation at Maynooth University, when she was required to create an original design, which was then prototyped and manufactured on campus. Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio ↗ #MaynoothUni #JamesDysonAward DesignInnovation
Posted by Maynooth University on Wednesday, September 10, 2025
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.
BREAKING: Kildare Excluded From €50m Second-Hand Home Acquisition Fund To Tackle Homelessness
Attacker Still At Large After Serious Newbridge McDonald’s Assault: Details Remain Scarce
Whitewater Shopping Centre: Live Garda Investigation Continues With CCTV Trawl And Witness Statements
Athy's Emily Square To Reopen This Friday With Live Music And Family Events
Arson Suspected After Car Torched In Newbridge Residential Area
Newbridge Food Wholesaler/Distributor Shut Down After Inspectors Find Serious Rodent Infestation
Unlike Fine Gael, Kildare Fianna Fáil Councillors Free To Back Independents In Presidential Nomination Bid
Hazel Hall Nursing Home Operator In Clane Settles €161k Tax Bill After Audit
