A device for suturing tissue includes a handle including a housing and a suturing needle for advancing the suture through the tissue. The device also includes a first needle grip configured to grip and release the suture needle. And the second needle gripping portion is also configured to grip and open the suture needle. The actuator is coupled to the housing and includes (a) a first linkage mechanism for pivoting the second gripping grip between a fully expanded position and a retracted position relative to the housing, and B) an operably coupled to a second linkage mechanism operably coupled to the first and second needle grippers and configured to change the state of each of the first and second needle grippers； . The second link mechanism may include a one-way clutch.(FIG.
