Devices and methods for suture placement

A suturing device comprising:

• an elongate body including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion;
• a needle holder extending away from the distal end portion or provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body, the needle holder including a distal end section having a distal-most tip, the needle holder defining a needle passage and a distal opening adjacent the distal-most tip;
• a needle in the needle passage, the needle including a first end, which is pointed, and a second end, which is opposite the first end;
• an actuator interacting with the elongate body and operable between a first operating position and a second operating position, wherein the needle moves from a retracted position toward a released condition as the actuator moves from the first operating position toward the second operating position;
• a needle retainer engaging the needle holder and the needle when the actuator is in the first operating position and configured to inhibit movement of the needle toward distal opening while the actuator is in the first operating position;
• and
• a suture extending from the second end of the needle, wherein the suture extends through the distal opening when the needle is in the retracted position and the actuator is in the first operating position.