Abstract: Several gastrointestinal surgery procedures are effective as treatments for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Minimally invasive procedures including intra-luminal gastrointestinal implants have been proposed to mimic the anatomical, physiological and metabolic changes achieved by these procedures. Many of these designs include long sleeve like elements that prevent contact of food with the walls of the small intestine. It is desirable to have simple delivery systems that can place these implants under endoscopic guidance. However, in order to anchor these sleeve elements safely and reliably, the inventors have previously disclosed anchoring means that anchor the sleeves at the junctions of the stomach and the intestine or the stomach and esophagus.

Abstract: A method includes generating a blockchain-based letter of credit (“BLC”) relating to a contract for a trade transaction between a seller and a buyer. The BLC defines documentary and supply chain flow payment trigger events. The BLC is stored and accessible via a blockchain. A plurality of documentary flow events related to the BLC are tracked and recorded on the blockchain, and are linked to the BLC. A plurality of supply chain flow events related to a physical status of a good involved in the trade transaction are tracked and recorded on the blockchain. Each of the plurality of supply chain flow events are linked to the BLC. Payment for the contract for the trade transaction is transferred to the seller in response to detecting occurrence of both of the documentary and supply chain flow events corresponding to the respective documentary and supply chain flow payment trigger events.