A suturing needle (26,102) comprising: a) a curved body with a sharp pointed end (60,108), a second end (62,110), and an aperture (106) between the sharp pointed end and the second end, wherein the curved body covers an arc greater than 270° and less than about 330°； b) an opening (64) proximate the second end capable of engaging a terminal end of a suturing material； c) a first notch (68,114) defined on the curved body for engaging a needle rotation drive； and d) a second notch (70,116) located along an outer surface of the curved body capable of engaging a pawl for controlling the direction of needle rotation by the needle rotation drive.
