Abstract: A surgical instrument and method of using same are provided. The instrument includes a jaw portion extending along an axis and a handle portion rotatably connected with the jaw portion and configured to at least partially rotate about the axis with respect to the jaw portion. A needle assembly can be configured to pass through the jaw portion and along the axis by cooperation with the handle portion. The jaw portion, or a shaft portion connecting the jaw portion and the handle portion, can include at least one spring-assisted bearing and the handle portion can include at least one depression configured to engage the at least one spring-assisted bearing in an orientation that temporarily locks the shaft portion with respect to handle portion. A method includes rotating the handle portion with respect to the jaw portion and actuating the instrument to pass a portion of a suture through tissue.