Patent ID: 8099175

Claim:
A medical electrical lead configured to be coupled to a pulse generator in a cardiac rhythm management system, the lead comprising: a proximal connector configured to mechanically and electrically couple the lead to the pulse generator; a flexible body extending distally from the connector, the body defining a proximal region, an intermediate region, and a distal region terminating in a distal tip; an armoring layer disposed over the proximal region of the lead body and not over the distal region of the lead body, the armoring layer including a polymeric material having a lubricious outer surface configured to resist abrasion, and a reinforcing material disposed within the armoring layer, wherein the proximal region is configured to be implanted substantially subcutaneously, and is dimensioned to extend from an implantation location of the pulse generator to a location distal to a cardiovascular entry site; at least one electrode coupled to the lead body in the distal region; and at least one electrical conductor extending from the at least one electrode to the connector for electrically coupling the at least one electrode thereto.