US Patent 6880699 Cartridge for holding asymmetric surgical clips

A cartridge is provided for retaining surgical clips, and particularly clips used in surgical ligating procedures that have an asymmetrical profile. The cartridge comprises a base having a base longitudinal axis. A plurality of axially spaced walls extend from the base and are transversely disposed in relation to the base axis. The walls define a plurality of axially spaced compartments therebetween. Each wall has a central wall axis that is generally perpendicular to the base axis. The cartridge further comprises a plurality of clip support members. Each clip support member is disposed within a respective compartment and comprises an asymmetrically shaped cross-section in relation to the central wall axis.