Abstract: A tubular guide suitable for use as an operating channel for the passage of surgical instruments in an inch-worm-type locomoted endoscopic instrument is described. The guide is fixed to the ends of the central body of the endoscopic instrument and has an elastic and corrugated intermediate portion so as to follow the elongations and the contractions of the central body of the endoscopic instrument without creating an obstacle to the passage of instruments.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for autonomous locomotion through a selected body cavity in a predetermined direction, the device comprising a hollowed, cylindrical body that extends between two, preferably, the front and rear, end portions, respectively. The body is made of a relatively elastic material and includes an anchor for temporarily and alternately attaching the end portions to a wall portion of the body cavity in synch with corresponding axial extensions and contractions of the body. The body incorporates a reinforcement structure distributed along its length that is substantially rigid in a radial direction and yields in an axial direction, the structure specifically comprising either a plurality of relatively rigid rings or at least one helical spring.

Abstract: An endoscopic device capable of autonomous locomotion through a body cavity in a pre-established direction of displacement is described. The endoscopic device comprises a tubular body that extends between a front end portion and a rear end portion and a reinforcement structure distributed along the length of the tubular body. Each end portion includes an anchoring means for temporarily and alternately attaching the end portions to a wall of the body cavity.