An open coiled pacemaker lead is provided that has improved structural stability and functional life in vivo. The open coiled lead includes an electrically conductive material that is coated or covered by a thin layer of electrically insulative material. The coated coiled lead has adequate spacing between adjacent coils, and has a lumen of sufficient diameter, to allow for infiltration of biological connective tissue onto the surface of the coated coil when maintained in vivo for a sufficient amount of time. Infiltration of the connective tissue essentially uniformly along the entire coiled lead strengthens and lengthens the functional life of the coated coil lead.