An implement holding device for use in surgeries is disclosed. The implement holding device includes a flexible arm that defines an inner lumen and that is configured to be coupled to a medical instrument. A tension cable is disposed within the inner lumen and is configured to adjust the rigidity of the flexible arm. Additionally, a tension setting dial is coupled to the tension cable. The tension setting dial includes a plurality of discrete tension setting locators, each locator is configured to be engaged when the tension setting dial is in a position corresponding to the locator, and each locator corresponds to a different cable tension force such that manipulating the tension setting dial to a position corresponding to one of the locators adjusts the cable tension to a specific cable tension force, and wherein changing the dial position is effective to change the rigidity of the flexible arm.
