Ablation electrode assembly and methods for improved control of temperature and minimization of coagulation and tissue damage

A method for improved measurement and control of a temperature of an irrigated ablation electrode assembly or a target site and minimization of coagulation and excess tissue damage at and around the target site during operation comprising the steps of:

• obtaining an electrode assembly having a proximal member and a distal member wherein the distal member includes an ablation electrode having at least one temperature sensor disposed within the distal member and wherein the proximal member comprises a passageway for distribution of a fluid at an outlet of the passageway to the target site, the passageway being insulated from the temperature sensor, and wherein a proximal end of the distal member is configured to receive a portion of the proximal member such that the proximal member is disposed internally relative to the distal member, and wherein the outlet is positioned proximal of a proximal end of the distal member;
• irrigating the target site during operation of the ablation electrode by passing the fluid through the passageway;
• monitoring the at least one temperature sensor during operation of the ablation electrode;
• and
• maintaining operational parameters so as to minimize excess tissue damage during operation of the ablation electrode.