Method for providing an authentication lockout in a surgical stapler with a replaceable cartridge

A method for operating a surgical stapling device comprising a lockout for preventing the surgical stapling device from operating, wherein said method comprises:

• installing a retainer on a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly, wherein the retainer is sized to cover a deck of the staple cartridge and comprises an authentication key protruding from a proximal end thereof;
• initially inserting the cartridge assembly into the surgical stapling device to bring the authentication key on the retainer into initial actuation contact with the lockout in the surgical stapling device to move the lockout out of a locked position;
• fully seating the cartridge assembly into the surgical stapling device to bring the authentication key on the retainer into further actuation contact with the lockout in the surgical stapling device to move the lockout into an unlocked position;
• removing the retainer from the staple cartridge while retaining the lockout in the unlocked position;
• and
• operating the surgical stapling device.