Dotspace is co-founded by Dr. Uei-Ming Jow, a previous senior hardware engineer from Google in the United States, Dr. Chien-Hung Liao, an emergency physician from medical center, and Dr. Dong-Ru Ho, a urologist also from medical center. Led by Dr. Jow’s extensive background in manufacturing medical devices and the two doctors’ professional medical knowledge, the intelligent “capsule” had evolved into a part of medical equipment through continuous in-depth discussions.
In late 2020, Dr. Uei-Ming Jow returned to Taiwan and led the team to receive project support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs for the development of a prototype medical device and pre-clinical validation. Later, they also received assistance from the Ministry of Science and Technology and completed their angel funding and established the company by the end of 2021. During this period, they were also recognized with awards such as the Future Tech Award and National Innovation Award, and continued to prioritize the goal of developing smart and innovative medical devices.
PressureDOT is an advanced digital capsule designed to detect and transmit essential physiological data from within a patient’s body to an external device such as a smartphone or wearable. This data is processed via a dedicated mobile app, allowing physicians to monitor critical parameters remotely. The capsule is equipped with Bluetooth technology, enabling continuous data transmission for over 150 hours—sufficient time for the capsule to pass through the digestive system.
The core sensors in PressureDOT track both pressure and temperature, making it the smallest device of its kind on the market. This design offers significant improvements in patient comfort compared to other capsule-based medical devices. The device’s ability to wirelessly collect real-time data reduces the need for labor-intensive patient monitoring in both hospital and home care settings, enhancing the efficiency of medical professionals while maintaining high-quality care.
In addition to its current capabilities, the modular design of the capsule allows for sensor customization. Future applications could include measurements of gastrointestinal pH levels, as well as advanced diagnostics for conditions such as cancer or microbiome-related disorders, broadening the device’s utility across a range of medical fields. The flexibility and minimal invasiveness of PressureDOT make it an innovative solution for both diagnostic and monitoring purposes in modern healthcare settings.
PressureDOT Overview
PressureDOT is an innovative, wireless pressure-sensing and temperature-sensing capsule designed primarily for ICU and laparoscopic surgery patients. Its core function is to monitor intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) continuously and wirelessly, addressing key challenges in the critical care environment, particularly with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH).
Current Market Need
IAH is prevalent in up to 60% of ICU patients, especially those suffering from severe conditions like sepsis, heart failure, burns, or trauma. Current methods for IAP measurement are intermittent, labor-intensive, and prone to error, often leading to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes. Given that patients with IAP above 20mmHg face mortality rates as high as 90%, early detection and continuous monitoring are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Competitive Advantage
PressureDOT addresses many of the current limitations:
- Wireless Monitoring: Unlike traditional wired methods, PressureDOT provides wireless, continuous data transmission over a period of 144 hours, significantly reducing infection risks and labor associated with intermittent monitoring.
- Smallest Digital Capsule: Its compact size enhances patient comfort and facilitates long-term monitoring, making it more suitable for both hospital and home care environments.
- Multiple Sensing Capabilities: Besides pressure and temperature, PressureDOT’s modular sensor system allows for the addition of other functionalities, such as pH measurement or microbiome analysis, widening its applications in gastroenterology and oncology
PressureDOT’s unique capabilities make it highly marketable in several key healthcare segments:
Critical Care Market: With a market size estimated at $1.4 billion for ICU monitoring, PressureDOT’s immediate entry into this space positions it to serve hospitals and emergency care centers in high-demand regions such as California, New York, and other states that account for over 50% of current IAP device usage.
GI Tract and Bowel Diagnostics: PressureDOT’s future development pipeline includes applications in gastrointestinal diagnostics (e.g., Irritable Bowel Syndrome), representing a $15 billion market opportunity.
Home Care and Remote Monitoring: Given the trend towards remote patient monitoring and the need to reduce labor costs, PressureDOT’s ability to wirelessly monitor critical physiological data could make it a key tool for telehealth services.