An overtube for use with an endoscope, the overtube comprising: a substantially tubular body comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion, the lumen being configured for the passage of an endoscope therethrough; a plurality of ball bearings disposed within the lumen and coupled to the substantially tubular body, wherein the plurality of ball bearings are configured to engage the endoscope and to freely spin to facilitate the passage of the endoscope through the lumen; and a first plurality of notches disposed within the substantially tubular body; a second plurality of notches disposed within the substantially tubular body and apart from the first plurality of notches, wherein the plurality of ball bearings are disposed at the first plurality of notches and the second plurality of notches of the overtube; and wherein the first plurality of notches are disposed along a first side of the overtube to provide a first bend and wherein the second plurality of notches are disposed along a second side of the overtube opposite to said first side to provide a second bend in an opposite direction to said first bend; further comprising a steering wire comprising a proximal steering wire portion and a distal steering wire portion, wherein the distal steering wire portion is coupled to the substantially tubular body, and wherein the proximal steering wire portion is configured to be pulled, the steering wire and the substantially tubular body being configured so that on pulling of the proximal steering wire portion the substantially tubular body is deflected at said first bend and at said second bend. a substantially tubular body comprising a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion, the lumen being configured for the passage of an endoscope therethrough; a plurality of ball bearings disposed within the lumen and coupled to the substantially tubular body, wherein the plurality of ball bearings are configured to engage the endoscope and to freely spin to facilitate the passage of the endoscope through the lumen; and a first plurality of notches disposed within the substantially tubular body; a second plurality of notches disposed within the substantially tubular body and apart from the first plurality of notches, wherein the plurality of ball bearings are disposed at the first plurality of notches and the second plurality of notches of the overtube; and wherein the first plurality of notches are disposed along a first side of the overtube to provide a first bend and wherein the second plurality of notches are disposed along a second side of the overtube opposite to said first side to provide a second bend in an opposite direction to said first bend; further comprising a steering wire comprising a proximal steering wire portion and a distal steering wire portion, wherein the distal steering wire portion is coupled to the substantially tubular body, and wherein the proximal steering wire portion is configured to be pulled, the steering wire and the substantially tubular body being configured so that on pulling of the proximal steering wire portion the substantially tubular body is deflected at said first bend and at said second bend. <EOS>