An award-winning wearable for women’s health

University of Waterloo researchers are leading health innovation in Canada including master’s student Nicholas Levinski who is currently using soft robotics in the Waterloo Microfluidics Laboratory to enhance treatment for patients living with lymphedema.

Recently, advancements in his research for treating this condition were recognized with an Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Award by the Council of Ontario Universities.

Many women who go through a hysterectomy or are treated for cancer experience painful swelling in the arms and legs due to the treatment that can cause damage to lymph nodes. This swelling often results in patients developing lymphedema, which is not only painful, but many patients report that they have a negative sentiment when it comes to their body image after treatment.

Lymphedema is diagnosed when lymph, a clear fluid that contains nutrients and is also a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, is unable to flow normally and builds up in the soft tissues of the limb affected, causing the swelling that patients can see in places like their arms and legs.

However, testing for lymphedema treatment is currently not accurate as there are no quantitative guidelines or equipment to ensure that patients are getting the correct treatment plan.

With his research, Levinski aims to decrease swelling using a comfortable approach with soft sensors. He is currently developing a discreet and affordable sleeve that can conform to limbs to get accurate limb volume assessment to help doctors aid in specialized treatment plans to bring down swelling.

In this photograph, Levinski is wearing a prototype of the sleeve device.

"The wearable sensors we’re developing will make at-home monitoring possible and provide specialists with invaluable data, enabling more precise, tailored interventions," he says. "This is a critical step toward improving patient outcomes and addressing gaps in current treatment options."

Levinski believes the device can be adapted universally as a superior alternative to current assessments that typically involve having a doctor use a tape measure to measure swelling and compare it to the limb on the other side, a practice that is both subjective and inaccurate.

"The future of this research lies in creating more advanced sensor systems that are durable and accessible for everyday use. We are moving toward extensive testing and aim to gather feedback from individuals living with lymphedema," Levinski shares. "This will allow us to further refine our devices and enhance their effectiveness across diverse populations. I'm eager to see how these innovations can better serve people."

He expresses gratitude that there is a scholarship for the entire community of researchers who have dedicated themselves to women’s health.

"Being recognized by my peers reaffirms my growing commitment to addressing lymphedema, a condition that deeply impacts the quality of life of individuals living with it. The funding allows us to close critical gaps in treatment strategies, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in patient care."

The Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Award is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and was established to help the province attract and amplify women’s health scholars, ensure their success for internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, and help create more effective health services and products for women and a strengthened health care system. Students who receive this award can receive up to $50,000 to further their research.