A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be attached to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. An authentication key is movably supported on the retainer between an actuation position wherein the actuation key can defeat a lockout of the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device and a retracted position when the retainer is detached from the staple cartridge.

A staple cartridge comprising a deformable authentication key that is movable between a first state and a second state is disclosed. The authentication key is configured to operably engage a lockout of a surgical stapling device when the staple cartridge is inserted into the surgical stapling device in an initial insertion position. When the cartridge is seated in a final position within the device, the authentication key is deformed from the first state to the second state and moves the lockout from a locked position to an unlocked position.

A bunion correction device is disclosed which secures a plate to a metatarsal head before an osteotomy is performed to allow for control of the metatarsal head during the bunion correction procedure. The device comprises a body component having two opposing portions positioned orthogonally to one another with a plurality of screw apertures positioned on both portions of the implant. Bone screws or fasteners are driven laterally through the apertures of the first portion into the metatarsal head, securing the first portion or base to the metatarsal head. An osteotomy is performed just proximal to the plate and the metatarsal head is translated to correct the bunion. Bone screws are then placed in the second portion apertures to fix the correction and provide compression of the osteotomy.

A retainer system for use with staple cartridges configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be attached to the staple cartridge by retention features. The system includes a tool that moves the retention features between a first state wherein the retention features prevent the retainer from being attached to the staple cartridge to a second state where the retainer may be coupled to the staple cartridge by the retention features.

A deactivator element for use with a staple cartridge is disclosed. The deactivator element is configured to be removably supported on the staple cartridge in a deactivator position. When the deactivator element is supported on a staple cartridge in the deactivator portion and the staple cartridge is seated in a surgical stapling device, a cam surface on the deactivator element defeats a lockout in the surgical stapling device.

A method for operating a surgical stapling device that includes a lockout for preventing the surgical stapling device from operating is disclosed. The method includes installing a retainer on a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The method includes seating the cartridge assembly in the surgical stapling device to bring an authentication key on the retainer into actuation contact with the lockout to move the lockout out of a locked position to an unlocked position. The method further includes removing the retainer from the staple cartridge while retaining the lockout in the unlocked position.

A method for operating a surgical stapling device that includes a lockout for preventing the surgical stapling device from operating is disclosed. The method includes installing a retainer on a staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The method includes seating the cartridge assembly in the surgical stapling device to bring an authentication key on the retainer into actuation contact with the lockout to move the lockout out of a locked position to an unlocked position. The method further includes removing the retainer from the staple cartridge while retaining the lockout in the unlocked position.

A retainer for use with a staple cartridge that is configured for use with a stapling device is disclosed. The retainer comprises a retainer body that is configured to be removably coupled to the staple cartridge to form a cartridge assembly. The retainer further comprises an authentication key that is oriented in a first configuration to defeat a lockout in the surgical stapling device when the cartridge assembly is seated in the surgical stapling device. The authentication key is movable to a second configuration after the cartridge assembly is removed from the stapling device such that the authentication key is unable to return to the first configuration.

A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed that comprises a retainer that is configured to be removably mounted to a staple cartridge that is configured to be operably seated in a stapling device. The retainer comprises an authentication key that is configured to defeat a first jaw lockout of the stapling device that is configured to prevent the jaws of the stapling device from closing. The stapling device further comprises a second lockout that is configured to prevent a firing member of the stapling device from advancing through a staple firing stroke when a spent staple cartridge is seated in one of the jaws.

A staple cartridge configured for use with a surgical stapling device is disclosed. The staple cartridge includes an authentication ramp that extends from a proximal end of the cartridge body and defines a ramp axis that is transverse to an axis of the cartridge. The authentication ramp is aligned with a sled cavity in the cartridge and comprises first and second cam surfaces that are configured to move a lockout of the surgical stapling device in a direction away from the cartridge axis upon contact therewith when the staple cartridge is seated into the surgical stapling device.