A system for stabilizing the heart via a helical needle, providing access to the interior of the heart via an introducer sheath, and forming a purse string suture using suture delivered by the helical needle. A helical needle projects distally from the device in a helical shape and terminates in a sharp distal tip. The helical needle is advanced into the heart wall, and is used to stabilize the heart and to pass a purse string suture through the heart tissue. An access port provides access to the interior of the heart via an opening passing through the heart wall in an area circumscribed by the helical needle. A length of suture may pass through the helical needle and exit at an opening at or near the needle distal tip. A free end of the length of suture may extend out of the distal tip and back into the hollow suture needle through the opening. The helical needle may have a deflection segment adjacent the distal tip that is more flexible than the rest of the helical distal portion of the helical needle.
