Example embodiments provide a medical lead adapted for to be steerable during insertion into an animal body. The lead comprises a structure comprised of a tip portion and a body. The tip portion is on a distal end of the structure. The tip portion is flexible in a direction that is substantially parallel to a principle plane. The lead provides structures to change the shape of the tip portion during insertion of the lead into an animal whereby the lead can move in a desired direction. Other example embodiments provide a needle for medical use comprised of: a needle having a shaft and a tip section; an opening in the shaft; a lumen communicating with the opening and a plurality of holes in the tip section. Aspects of the needle have symmetric and asymmetric tip sections and an overlying sheath. Example methods embodiments are provided that use the leads, needles and needle assemblies.