• Other

    Dyson Award for young graduate’s invention which could help thousands of Irish patients

    AnyFans Posted on

    By Irishexaminer.com,Sean Murray

    Copyright irishexaminer

    Dyson Award for young graduate's invention which could help thousands of Irish patients

    While traditional therapies require regular clinic visits and costly, uncomfortable compression clothes, Ms O’Sullivan’s invention allows patients to perform manual lymphatic drainage independently in the comfort of their own home.

    She got her inspiration from a friend suffering from lymphoedema in their legs.

    This condition occurs when lymph nodes are removed or damaged, leading to persistent swelling often in the limbs.

    It is estimated that up to 30% of breast cancer survivors develop this debilitating condition, while it can also affect patients who have been treated for other forms of cancer such as prostate, ovarian, and melanoma.

    Ms O’Sullivan witnessed first-hand how the condition can affect body image and self-esteem while the compression garments that are effective can be uncomfortable to wear.

    After undergoing breast reduction surgery herself, she struggled with haematomas and fluid retention in the breast and surrounding areas, due to the complicated healing process and issues with scar formation.

    She said that manual lymphatic drainage was an essential part of recovery.

    The Lymphia device allows patients to perform this independently. It uses 10mm steel balls, which were described as “carefully sized to be perceptible on skin while small enough to precisely stimulate individual lymphatic vessels, enhancing the comfort and effectiveness of the massage”.

    “It’s amazing to see my work recognised and celebrated in this way,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

    “Knowing that Lymphia has the potential to improve so many lives and help reduce the stigma around lymphoedema means so much to me.”

    She now plans to use the €6,000 prize money to fund a patent application for her design and eventually hopes to progress it to being integrated into healthcare systems and recommended by clinicians.

    It will now progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award.

    The international top 20 shortlist is set to be unveiled next month, with the international winners announced on November 5.

    You Might Also Like