Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting an electrode under ultrasound guidance in muscle, such as the diaphragm, or near nerve tissue can include inserting under ultrasound guidance a catheter or cannula into a body cavity of the patient proximate the target muscle or near the target nerve tissue; inserting under ultrasound guidance an insertion needle, with the electrode loaded into a lumen of the insertion needle, into the body cavity and into the target muscle or near the target nerve tissue; and withdrawing the insertion needle to expulse the electrode and lead from the central lumen of the insertion needle.