Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a multiple conductors located within an elongated lead body which is provided with multiple conductor lumens each containing a conductor and with at least one compression lumen which does not contain a conductor. The conductor lumens are spaced from one another by a first, minimum spacing and the compression lumen or lumens are located intermediate the conductor lumens and are spaced from the conductor lumens by a second, minimal spacing of less then said first minimum spacing. The centers of the compression lumens are located along lines which pass through the both the center of a conductor lumen and the center of the lead body. The arrangement of the conductor and compression lumens enhances the lead's ability to survive crushing forces such as applied by the first rib and clavicle.