Fixing device for at least one operating element suitable for application in sterile areas in surgical operations, such as a surgical instrument

A system used in performing in a sterile area a surgical operation which uses a covering to separate the sterile area from a non-sterile area comprising:

• a body which is provided with a magnet which generates a magnetic field which emanates from a surface which faces the covering, the body being located in the non-sterile area when in use during the surgical operation;
• a ferromagnetic element, which is located in the sterile area during the operation and is separated by the covering from the body during the operation, the ferromagnetic element including a surface which faces the covering during the operation, being rotatable relative to the body and being attracted to the body by the magnetic field being coupled to the element;
• and
• an elongated member which is retained in the ferromagnetic element during the surgical operation and is attracted by the magnetic field so as to resist moving of the elongated member longitudinally relative to the ferromagnetic element during the surgical operation;
• and wherein
• during the surgical operation, the elongated member is used for supporting at least one element used during the surgical operation.