Methods and a steering device for minimally invasive visualization surgery system are disclosed. In particular, the steering device configured for holding and positioning an image capturing device about a frame above a surgical site. The steering device including a curvilinear prismatic joint which may be operated by an end effector and a braking system including one or more sensors. In some embodiments, one or more electrical power mechanisms can be used to inhibit motion according to predetermined parameters can be included. A controller in logical communication with a database including said predetermined parameters (including, for example, ranges of motion for the curvilinear prismatic joint) may also be used to control the range of motion using the one or more electrical power mechanisms and/or the braking system. The braking system can include one or more of a frictional brake, a pumping brake, and an electromagnetic brake.
