Abstract: An instrument for closing trocar puncture wounds having a handle assembly with a stationary portion and a movable portion; an elongated portion attached at a proximal end thereof to the stationary portion of the handle assembly; and needle deploying means associated with the elongated portion. The needle deploying means includes: an actuator member having a proximal end operably connected to the movable portion of the handle assembly and a distal end disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion, the actuator member being slidable between a first position and a second position; and at least one needle carrier member mounted adjacent the distal end of the actuator member, the needle carrier being slidable relative to the actuator member upon movement thereof, between a retracted position substantially within the elongated portion and an extended position substantially without the elongated portion.