Alicia Ferreira da Cunha – SDCA Degree Show 2026

Elune.

Professional lymphatic care, Delivered at home.

An at-home daily management solution designed to help users manage their breast cancer related lymphoedema independently, while remaining supported by a structured treatment plan created and monitored by healthcare professionals.

The system combines low-level laser therapy and Deep oscillation therapy within a handheld treatment device, allowing users to carry out regular self-treatment sessions from the comfort of their own home. This helps make lymphoedema care more consistent, accessible, and integrated into the user’s daily routine.

A connected guidance companion app supports the user throughout their treatment journey. The app provides clear guidance, progress tracking, and connects them with their health care professional.

The Problem.

Lymphoedema: The hidden cancer side effect no one knows about.

1 in 5 Women develop lymphoedema post breast cancer treatment.

£2,035 is the direct cost women with breast cancer related lymphoedema face
annually.

Breast cancer related lymphoedema is a chronic and often distressing condition which occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged by surgery or radiation. The condition presents its self as heavy and painful swelling, which requires daily management and monitoring.

**Low Level Laser Therapy**
The device includes a 904nm laser diode which encourages the skin to increase the uptake of oxygen, softening underlying tissues, encouraging lymph flow and reducing inflammation.

**Deep Oscillation Therapy**
Deep oscillation therapy creates a pulsed electrostatic field within the bodies tissues. These deep acting vibrations mechanically stimulate the lymphatic system to drain excess fluid.

Scenario of use

Development Process

Final Prototype

**User Interaction Prototype:**
A user interaction model was created to demonstrate the patient’s journey during a treatment session. It combines the main case, phone stand, front-panel interface, and hand-held treatment device to show how a patient would set up, navigate, and complete treatment. The model helps assess usability, layout, and the overall interaction flow.

**Electronic prototype**:
A high-fidelity electronic prototype was developed to demonstrate the interaction between the handheld treatment device and the user interface. Using two custom PCBs with wireless communication, the prototype simulates a treatment session through vibration and a red LED. It was created to test usability, interaction flow, and overall user experience.

Design for manufacture

The product has been designed for injection moulding using ABS, chosen for its durability, impact resistance and high-quality finish.

Key features such as consistent wall thickness, rounded edges and draft angles have been considered to support efficient moulding and reliable production.

Other Projects

**Supporting individuals with a fear of needles**

Work experience

Placement Design and Development Engineer | Jenx Ltd

Supported the design and development of specialist postural support products for children with complex needs. Responsibilities included creating and refining SolidWorks CAD models, producing and testing prototypes, and assisting with mechanical and usability validation. I worked collaboratively with clinicians, production, marketing, and design teams to ensure products met user needs, manufacturing requirements, and relevant medical device regulations.

Award

DCA Live project brief 2nd Place winner

I designed a distraction-free, AI-powered study tool for the Yoto brand that helps teenagers revise through content cards, flashcards and personalised study plans. Its screen-free physical design supports focus during exam preparation.

Contact me

Aliciadacunha@outlook.com

Alicia Ferreira da Cunha | LinkedIn

Thank you.