Methods and instrumentation for durotomy repairs

A suture passing instrument comprising:

• an elongate body having a distal end, a proximal end, a cannulation, and a slot extending radially through a thickness of the elongate body and open to an exterior surface of the elongate body along a length of the cannulation;
• a tip integral to the distal end of the elongate body, the tip having a curved configuration, the tip having a most distal opening and a passage;
• a needle/flexible strand construct loaded onto the instrument, the needle/flexible strand construct including a flexible strand with a first end attached to a first needle and a second end attached to a second needle;
• and
• a handle assembly provided at the proximal end of the elongate body and configured to alternatingly move the first needle and the flexible strand through a first portion of dura mater, and the second needle and the flexible strand through a second portion of dura mater.