A needle cartridge for a surgical suturing instrument includes a cartridge body, a track extending through the cartridge body and defining a circular path, an arcuate needle movably positioned within the track, and a suture thread extending from the arcuate needle. A needle driver operatively connects to the cartridge body and the arcuate needle. The needle driver is configured to orbit the arcuate needle along the circular path. A needle cover is secured to the cartridge body. A clearance channel extends through at least a portion of the cartridge body along the track in communication with the track such that the clearance channel at least partially defines a suture path. The suture path is configured to receive the suture thread extending from the trailing end of the arcuate needle as the arcuate needle moves along the circular path thereby inhibiting the suture thread from obstructing movement of the arcuate needle.
