Ratchet Controlled Circular Needle Driver

A surgical suturing device comprises an arced needle comprises a length of suture. A needle driver is operable to engage and rotate the needle in a circular path. The needle driver reciprocates between a drive stoke wherein the needle is rotated and a return stroke. A trigger is operably connected to the needle driver, wherein moving the trigger in a first direction actuates the needle driver through its drive stroke, and moving the trigger in a second direction actuates the needle driver through its return stroke. A ratchet mechanism preventing the trigger from moving in the second direction until the needle driver has been actuated through the drive stroke.