A sleeve for a medical lead includes a tubular body having a first open end and a second open end, a tubular wall extending between the first and second ends and defining a hollow center, and a longitudinal axis extending through the hollow center. A first pocket is disposed in the tubular wall and having a curved transverse cross section and a first access opening at the first open end of the tubular body. A medical lead system includes a medical lead and the sleeve configured to slide over the medical lead and be adjacent to the electrode region.