The suture passer includes a body from which two mechanisms protrude: a hollow needle through which a suture is guided, the suture exiting at the surgical site; and a sliding hollowing tube with a distal opening, exposing a resilient member. When gripping of a suture is required, the resilient member is intentionally over-extended, causing the resilient member to bow and protrude from the distal opening. A suture is then passed into the resulting gap between the sliding hollowing tube and resilient member, the resilient member then allowed to retract back into place, thereby clamping the suture.