A tissue retractor includes a body having proximal and distal ends. The retractor also includes a retraction device having a head connected to the distal end of the body and defining two opposing openings, an actuator movably disposed in the head, and two substantially rigid needles each pivotably connected to the actuator for traveling through a respective one of the openings. The needles have an arcuate shape. A one-handed actuation device is connected to the proximal end of the body and is operatively connected to the actuator through the body. Upon actuation of the actuation device, the actuator moves to selectively extend the needles out of the head and withdraw the needles into the head. Methods for using the tissue retractor, in particular for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, are also provided.