Systems and methods for improving RF compatibility of electrical stimulation leads

An implantable lead for stimulating patient tissue, the lead comprising:

• a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length;
• a jacket disposed over at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the lead body, the jacket having an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the jacket forming at least a portion of an outer surface of the lead, at least a portion of the inner surface of the jacket open to the lead body, the jacket defining a plurality of apertures along the outer surface of the jacket with each of the plurality of apertures extending completely through the jacket to the inner surface;
• a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body;
• a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body;
• a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the terminals;
• and
• conductor insulation disposed over each of the plurality of conductors;
• wherein at least a portion of the conductor insulation is in fluid communication with the local environment external to the lead via the plurality of apertures, wherein the apertures are spaced-apart and separate from the electrodes and terminals.