Abstract: A suture retaining device, which has an elongate body having a cross section that is at least partially circular, and a head portion joined to the elongate body. The head portion has a sidewall that defines a cavity for receipt of a suture. The sidewall also has an internal surface that is at least partially flat, and the cavity is enclosed by the sidewall. The suture retaining device may be utilized in conjunction with a suture passing device, which has a body that includes a distal end, proximal end and outer surface; an internal passageway extending through the body from the distal end to the proximal end; and a contoured portion defining a recess in the body, the recess extending radially from the outer surface to the internal passageway, the contoured portion is homogenous.