A method for passing suture through tissue and a suture passing instrument having a first jaw (20) coupled to an end of an elongated shaft, a second jaw (18) coupled to the first jaw, and formed with a holder for supporting a suture, and a needle (42) slidably disposed within the first jaw, having a hook on a side for releasably capturing a portion of a suture, is provided. The first jaw defines a channel for receiving the needle and a ramp for deflecting the needle transversely of the shaft when advanced to an extended position.
