Neural stimulation device with insulating sheath

A method for stimulating a vagus nerve within a carotid sheath, comprising:

• positioning a stimulation electrode assembly at least partially around the carotid sheath or at least partially around the vagus nerve itself, the stimulation electrode assembly including:
• an insulating sheath comprising a flexible sheet of electrically insulative material configured to assume a generally tubular shape to at least partially surround the carotid sheath or at least partially surround the vagus nerve itself, and having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is positioned toward the carotid sheath or the vagus nerve;
• and
• at least one energy delivery element located on the first side of the insulating sheath configured to deliver energy to the vagus nerve;
• and,
• energizing the at least one energy delivery element to direct energy toward the vagus nerve, wherein the insulating sheath inhibits conduction of energy beyond the carotid sheath during energization of the at least one energy delivery element.