Patent ID: 6990378

Claim:
An implantable medical lead comprising: a lead body having a proximal end carrying a connector assembly adapted to be received by an implantable medical device and a distal end, and at least one electrode for patient stimulation connected to said lead body; said lead body further comprising: an insulating housing defining an outer surface and enclosing at least one electrical conductor connecting said at least one electrode with said connector assembly; a flexible membrane surrounding said insulating housing, said membrane inner surface confronting said outer surface of said insulating housing; a distal circumferential seal attaching a distal portion of said membrane to said outer surface of said insulating housing; a proximal circumferential seal attaching a proximal portion of said membrane to said outer surface of said insulating housing; wherein said distal circumferential seal and said proximal circumferential seal define a sealed space between said inner surface of said membrane and said outer surface of said insulating housing; and a lubricious medium disposed within said sealed space; wherein flexibility of the membrane and the properties of the lubricious medium enable said membrane to slide over said insulating housing and deform as said insulating housing moves relative to a patient's body tissue; and wherein relative motion between said membrane and said insulating housing reduces abrasive wear of said lead body.