SEOUL DESIGN AWARD

Victoria is an artificial lymphatic vessel designed to address secondary lymphedema caused by lymph node removal during breast cancer treatment. To date, no physical or mechanical therapy has been able to restore lymphatic vessels. This project takes a bold approach by proposing a permanently implantable Class III medical device.

Its core innovation lies in combining advanced biocompatible materials with microfluidic engineering to create a new pathway for continuous lymphatic flow. Unlike conventional manual drainage therapy, this allows patients to reduce pain, swelling, and disability without relying on repeated treatments or frequent hospital visits, helping them regain everyday functionality. It is not a simple drainage device but a design harmonized with the body’s internal environment, ensuring both safety and long-term usability.

Throughout its development, clinicians, engineers, and designers worked closely together to validate usability, while prioritizing patients’ needs and feedback. This approach has been recognized as a practical alternative, especially in resource-limited settings, since it requires minimal intervention while delivering effective results. Moreover, Victoria’s application extends beyond breast cancer patients. It has far-reaching implications to other conditions requiring lymphatic support, thus reducing medical inequality and contributing to improving women’s health equity worldwide.

By providing a creative solution that not only alleviates suffering but also enabling a better quality of life, Victoria exemplifies how patient-centered design and scientific innovation can combine to tackle one of medicine’s toughest challenges.