Methods of shielding implantable medical leads and implantable medical lead extensions

A shield layer is added to an existing lead or lead extension by applying the shield layer to the lead body between the proximal contact and distal electrode of the lead body. The shield layer may be covered with an outer insulative layer. An inner insulative layer may be applied over the lead body prior to adding the shield layer and the outer insulative layer. The shield layer may have a terminator applied to the end of the shield layer to prevent migration of the shield layer through the outer insulative layer. The shield layer may be of various forms including a tubular braided wire structure or a tubular foil. The tubular braided wire structure may be applied to the lead body by utilizing the lead body as a mandrel within a braiding machine.