Patent ID: 7904174

Claim:
An implantable lead assembly comprising: a lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end having an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein the lead body includes an insulating layer; a conductor disposed within the insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer surrounds the conductor; an electrode coupled to the lead body, wherein the electrode is in electrical communication with the conductor; at least one impedance monitoring conductive sleeve disposed within the insulating layer, the at least one impedance monitoring conductive sleeve continuously surrounds the conductor and extends continuously along the conductor from the proximal end to at least the intermediate portion, wherein the at least one impedance monitoring conductive sleeve is physically isolated and electrically isolated from the electrode and the conductor, and the impedance monitoring conductive sleeve is a coating of conductive material; and the at least one impedance monitoring conductive sleeve has a first measured impedance value in a first condition, and the at least one impedance monitoring conductive sleeve is adapted for electrical isolation from a lead body exterior environment in the first condition, and the at least one impedance monitoring conductive sleeve has a second measured impedance value less than the first measured impedance value in a second condition with the insulating layer is breached and the at least one impedance monitoring conductive sleeve is in electrical communication with the lead body exterior environment.