Irrigated electrodes with enhanced heat conduction

A method for cardiac ablation, comprising the steps of:

• introducing an insertion tube, having a distal section into a heart of a subject, the insertion tube having at least one electrode disposed on the distal section of the insertion tube and coupled to an energy source, the electrode having an outer surface and a wall with a plurality of perforations formed therethrough, the electrode having edges defining a peripheral section that is adjacent the edges and a central section remote from the edges, wherein the wall of the peripheral section is thicker than the wall of the central section, and a lumen passing through the insertion tube and coupled to deliver a fluid via the perforations;
• locating the distal section of the insertion tube in proximity to a target in the heart;
• analyzing electrical signals received from the target via the insertion tube to make a determination that the electrical signals are indicative of abnormal electrical conduction within the heart;
• and
• responsively to the determination conducting energy into the heart via the electrode to thereby affect the abnormal electrical conduction.