An instrument support system includes a receptacle for a surgical instrument and a support that suspends the receptacle from a frame of a mayo stand so that the receptacle is located below the frame, at least partially within the perimeter of the frame, and preferably at an oblique angle. A receptacle includes an open distal end to permit partial passage of the instrument therethrough. The system also includes a cord holder to support the cord or other flexible lumen of the instrument outside the receptacle.
