A secondary manipulator device for positioning a distal portion of an elongated medical instrument inside a patient is disclosed. The secondary manipulator device includes a retaining member having a channel configured to receive therein an intermediate portion of the elongated medical instrument. The retaining member can include a lock comprising a seat against which the elongated medical instrument can rest and a resiliently deformable retention arm that is movable relative to the seat. The lock, when in the securing state, can retain the intermediate portion within the channel to allow translating and/or rotating of the distal portion.
