A retaining apparatus having a fastening element for fastening to a device, a first retaining element which is arranged on the fastening element in such a manner that it can be pivoted about a first axis, and a second retaining element which is arranged in such a manner that it can be pivoted about a second axis that is oriented perpendicular to the first axis and is designed to retain a flexible connecting element such that it can be moved forwards and backwards ensures a definable profile of the connecting element with little mechanical loading. A medical device, in particular in the form of a C-arc X-ray device, is provided with this retaining apparatus in a particularly advantageous manner.