An endoscopic device and method of use for facilitating movement of an elongate insertion element through a tortuous passageway includes a tissue engaging section having an outer wall with a plurality of openings that communicate with at least one of a source of vacuum and a source of irrigation, and a porous fabric extending over at least a portion of the tissue engaging section. The tissue engaging section can be appended to an accessory channel formed on an outer surface of the elongate insertion element, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the tissue engaging section is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the insertion element, or can be in the form of an elongate helical ribbon disposed around at least a portion of the insertion element. The movement of the device is effected by applying suction to draw tissue to the device, thus straightening the passageway. The suction can be removed or reduced and then the device can be further advanced along the passageway.