A suture passer device for creating a suture loop in tissue has a handle having a fixed handle portion and a movable handle portion, a tubular shaft with a proximal and a distal end for capturing a suture, and a needle attached to the movable handle and positioned internal of the fixed handle and the tubular shaft. When the movable handle closes the needle is passed through a distal opening transverse to the tubular shaft. The needle has an end to hold a suture and form a loop in the tissue.
