A medical lead introducer comprises a shank, a carrier structure on the shank configured to engage a mating carrier structure of a medical lead during a lead introduction procedure, and a blunt dissection element located on a distal end of the shank. The blunt dissection element is configured to shield at least a distal portion of the medical lead when the medical lead is engaged by the carrier structure during the lead introduction procedure. In some embodiments, the medical lead introducer may be part of a kit including the medical lead.