A reinforced suture sleeve designed to cover and protect a medical lead from physical damage resulting from an over tightened suture is described. The reinforced suture sleeve comprises a metallic tubular insert with at least one slot that is cut through the surface of the insert in a spiraled pattern. A biocompatible and pliable polymeric body is molded over the insert. The spiraled cut slot in the metallic tubular insert provides flexibility without degrading structural integrity. An alternate embodiment comprises a polymeric body provided with an embedded fiber mesh made of polymeric fibers, metallic fibers or combinations thereof. The fiber mesh prevents an over tightened suture from cutting through the suture sleeve and damaging the medical lead.
