Apparatus for positioning a medical instrument

An apparatus for positioning a medical instrument relative to a patient, said apparatus comprising:

• a drive assembly for moving the medical instrument along a first axis that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the instrument;
• a rotable adapter for connecting the drive assembly to a positioning device, said adaptor comprising an axle for being received by the drive assembly and a pair of cooperating hubs, a first of said hubs extending from said axle and a second of said hubs being secured to said first hub by a holding member;
• a positioning system comprising:
• a substantially C-shaped arm having a first section comprised of said adapter;
• a second section containing
• a first motor system for rotating said adapter and medical instrument about a first point positioned outside the body of the patient and a second axis that extends substantially perpendicular to said first axis;
• and
• a third section operatively connected to
• a second motor system for rotating said adapter, said medical instrument and said first motor system about a third axis that extends substantially perpendicular to said second axis;
• and a remote control unit for selectively operating at least one of said drive assembly motor, said first motor system and said second motor system.