An endoscope with flexible cable is described having a first set of means to facilitate travel of an imaging capsule down the esophagus, a second set of means to enable proper orientation and optical clarity of the capsule, and a third set of means to enable ease in retrieval of the device. In most embodiments, there is an overlap of these sets of means, the combination of which assures optimal exam effectiveness while maintaining a high degree of patient comfort. The endoscope can target low cost, high volume screening for diseases of the upper digestive tract.