In one embodiment, an anchor for anchoring a medical lead within the body of a patient, comprises: a first housing portion a second housing portion, wherein the first and second housing portions define an inner passageway through the anchor and the inner passageway comprises first and second tapered portions at first and second ends of the inner passageway and a gripping insert disposed within the inner passageway wherein the first and second housing portions are adapted to be set in a first configuration and a second configuration by user manipulation wherein in the first configuration, the inner passageway through the first and second housing portions permits the gripping insert to be retained in a first state wherein in the second configuration, the gripping insert is compressed into a second state wherein in the second configuration, the gripping insert is further compressed into a third state when the gripping insert is forced against one of the first and second tapered portions by movement of a medical lead placed in the anchor.
