Methods and apparatus for providing transapical access to a heart chamber for performing an intra cardiac procedure are described. The apparatus include a helical needle driver, a dilator, a straight access needle, and optionally a guidewire. After entering the heart chamber with the straight access needle, the helical needle driver is used to place a helical suture within the myocardium. After removing the needle driver, the dilator is advanced through the pre-placed helical suture, dilating both a passage and the circumscribing suture. After performing procedure, the pre-placed suture may be closed by proximally retracting an external end of the suture.