System and method for transvascularly stimulating contents of the carotid sheath

A method for stimulating contents of the carotid sheath, comprising:

• intravascularly advancing an energy delivery element into an internal jugular vein;
• retaining the energy delivery element in a portion of the internal jugular vein contained within a carotid sheath;
• using a medical device, delivering an insulative material into extravascular space adjacent to the internal jugular vein, the insulative material defining a channel within the extravascular space, and
• energizing the energy delivery element to transvenously direct energy to target contents of the carotid sheath external to the internal jugular vein, wherein said energizing causes energy to conduct along the channel to the target contents.

An intravascular system for stimulation of contents of a carotid sheath, the system comprising:

• a pulse generator positionable within a blood vessel;
• a lead coupled to the pulse generator;
• an anchor adapted to anchor the lead in a portion of an internal jugular vein disposed in a carotid sinus sheath;
• a plurality of electrodes disposed on the lead, the electrodes including a first array and a second array, wherein the first and second arrays are positioned such that when the first array is positioned in the internal jugular vein to direct stimulation energy transvascularly to a vagus nerve in the carotid sheath, the second array is positioned to direct stimulation energy transvascularly towards a carotid artery or carotid sinus nerve within the carotid sheath;
• and
• a shield positionable at least partially surrounding the carotid sheath, the shield configured to block transmission of stimulation energy to tissues external to the carotid sheath.