Mri compatible implantable lead

A method for providing an implantable lead, the lead having a lead body to be implanted in a patient, the lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, the lead body having a connector assembly at the proximal end of the lead body to connect to an implantable medical device, the lead body having a conductor cable within the lead body and extending at least partially along a length of the lead body, the method comprising:

• locating an electrode along the lead body, the electrode configured to at least one of deliver stimulating pulses and sense electrical activity, the electrode having a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the electrode;
• positioning a connection node within an intermediate segment along the length of the electrode;
• connecting the cable electrically to the connection node;
• connecting the connection node electrically and thermally to the electrode within an intermediate segment along the length of the electrode to form heat dissipating segments within the electrode, the head dissipating segments dissipating heat that is generated within the lead when the lead is exposed to an MRI field.

An implantable lead, comprising:

• a lead body configured to be implanted in a patient, the lead body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends;
• a connector assembly provided at the proximal end of the lead body, the connector assembly configured to connect to an implantable medical device;
• a cable within the lead body extending between the connector assembly and the distal end;
• a tip electrode provided at a distal end of the lead body, the electrode configured to at least one of deliver stimulating pulses and sense electrical activity, the electrode having a helix body configured to securely engage tissue;
• an obturator slibably received in the helix body of the tip electrode, the obturator having an arm configured to move between extended and retracted positions relative to the helix body of the electrode;
• an inductor element located proximate the distal end of the lead and connected to be electrically common with the tip electrode, the inductor element including a bobbin and a wire wound about a barrel of the bobbin to form a coil, the wire connected to the tip electrode and the cable, the bobbin having a passage there through, the passage configured to receive a stylet utilized to move the obturator to the extending position.