Thin conductive metal coatings suitable for flexible nonmetal fine wires and leads are described. Polymer clad silica fiber cores are produced by plasma coating with dual layers of metals such as silver, gold or titanium to provide micro thin leads such as those used for pacemakers that are resistant to flexing breakage, and are conductive. The metal surfaces can be engineered to promote cell adhesion so that tissue scarring in vivo is greatly reduced. Nanostructure and thickness of the metal coating can be controlled to provide radiopaque surfaces on nonmetal medical devices and lead wires.