A fixation component for a medical electrical lead includes a tubular sidewall that has an outer surface from which a plurality of deformable barb-like projections extend, each projection being in proximity to an aperture that extends through the sidewall. The projections are spaced apart from one another along a length of the component, and each extends from a first end, attached to the sidewall, in proximity to an edge of the corresponding aperture, to a second, free end, spaced apart from the outer surface of the sidewall, when the projection is un-deformed. The outer surface of the sidewall preferably includes reduced diameter end portions, to maintain a relatively low profile, when tubing members overlap thereon to secure the component around a body of the medical electrical lead. The body of the lead may include a conductor coil whose outer surface is directly overlaid by the component.
