Abstract: A suture passing forceps includes an axially elongated support shaft, and a first suture holder for removably holding a needled suture and a second suture holder for capturing the needled suture. The first suture holder includes a suture inlet through which at least part of the suture can be passed. The first suture holder or the second suture holder is an actuatable member which pivots toward an operating position to capture the needled suture in the second suture holder and pivots away from the operating position to remove the suture from the first suture holder. The suture inlet in the suture holder enables complete removal of the suture from the suture holder when the actuatable member and the needled suture move away from the operating position. The second suture holder includes a holding region defined by a contoured surface permitting the needled suture to slide within the holding region.