A suture passing mechanism (10),(50),(100),(200),(220),(250) is disclosed having an elongated delivery member and a suture capture fitting at a distal end of the delivery member. The suture capture fitting includes a recess (18),(60),(108),(204),(224),(254) for receiving a length of suture. The recess is bounded by a proximal wall and a lateral opening leads therein. An expeller (34),(52),(120),(210),(230),(260) at the recess is adapted to expel suture out of the recess through the lateral opening.
