Methods and devices for implanting an electrode near a nerve covered by a tissue layer or layers. Methods can include cutting through a tissue layer covering the nerve to form at least two exposed pleural tissue layer edges. The nerve can be freed from any tissue around the nerve and the electrode placed around the nerve. The pleura edges can be drawn toward each other to cover the nerve and the edges secured together. Some methods form two tissue flaps which are pulled away from each other to expose the nerve. Other methods form a single tissue flap which extends over the nerve and is pulled back to expose the nerve. The now covered nerve is protected against movement of tissues near the now covered nerve. Such methods find one use in placing electrodes near the splanchnic nerves in the thoracic cavity, where the lung and diaphragm may contact an exposed electrode.