A cardioversion/defibrillation lead, and method of manufacture thereof, for location in a human heart. An elongated lead body having an insulating outer sheath extends between proximal and distal ends thereof, and an elongated defibrillation conductor within the lead body extends from a connector at the proximal end to a distal end at a predetermined location along the lead body length. A spiral band defibrillation electrode extends in spiral turns around the exterior of the insulating outer sheath for a pre-determined defibrillation electrode length. The defibrillation electrode is fabricated of a single tube of body compatible, electrically conductive material having first and second tube ends and an inside diameter selected to fit over the outer sheath and the internally disposed defibrillation lead conductor. At least one (and preferably a plurality) spiral slit is formed therein extending from first and second slit end points, spaced from the first and second ends, respectively, thereby forming at least one spiral band integrally attached to first and second end bands, respectively. At least one of the first and second end bands is attached to the defibrillation lead conductor at or near the distal end thereof. In other embodiments, intermediate connection bands are formed along the length of the spiral band, and electrical connections are made between such intermediate connection bands and the defibrillation lead conductor.