Implantable medical leads, systems, and related methods with structures for aiding lead implantation

An implantable medical lead, comprising:

• a lead body defining a first lumen, the lead body comprising a first material;
• a polymeric tube that is located within the first lumen, wherein the polymeric tube defines a second lumen and a polymeric tube length that extends from a proximal end of the lead body to a distal end of the lead body, wherein the polymeric tube comprises a second material that extends along the polymeric tube length, the second material having a second durometer rating higher than 60 on a Shore D hardness test, wherein the second durometer rating of the second material is higher than a first durometer rating of the first material;
• a first backfill material within the first lumen and adjacent the polymeric tube;
• a second backfill material within the first lumen and surrounding the first backfill material, the first backfill material having a third durometer rating lower than a fourth durometer rating of the second backfill material;
• at least one proximal connector located on the proximal end of the lead body where the polymeric tube is present;
• at least one distal electrode located on the distal end of the lead body where the polymeric tube is present, wherein the second backfill material extends until reaching a point along the lead body that is proximal of the at least one distal electrode where the lead body contacts a complete circumference of the polymeric tube;
• and
• at least one conductor interconnecting the at least one proximal connector and the at least one distal electrode.

An implantable medical lead, comprising:

• a lead body defining a first lumen, the lead body comprising a first material;
• a polymeric tube that is located within the first lumen, wherein the polymeric tube defines a second lumen and a polymeric tube length that extends from a proximal end of the lead body to a distal end of the lead body, wherein the polymeric tube comprises a second material that extends along the polymeric tube length, the second material having a second durometer rating higher than 60 on a Shore D hardness test, wherein the second durometer rating of the second material is higher than a first durometer rating of the first material;
• a first backfill material within the first lumen and adjacent the polymeric tube;
• a second backfill material, wherein the first backfill material forms a third lumen and wherein the second backfill material extends through the third lumen;
• at least one proximal connector located on the proximal end of the lead body where the polymeric tube is present;
• at least one distal electrode located on the distal end of the lead body where the polymeric tube is present;
• and
• at least one conductor interconnecting the at least one proximal connector and the at least one distal electrode.