Patent ID: 7824406

Claim:
An irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprising: a distal member which includes an electrode, the distal member having an inner cavity with an open proximal end and one or more through holes from the inner cavity to an outer surface of the distal member; a self-actuated valve element disposed in the inner cavity of the distal member for preventing backflow of fluids into the inner cavity of the distal member, the self-actuated valve element having a proximal end and a distal end, the self-actuated valve element is umbrella shaped, and collapsible and expandable inside the inner cavity of the distal member, the self- actuated valve member expanding to cover the one or more through holes of the distal member, and the self actuated valve element collapsing to uncover the one or more through holes of said distal member and a fluid tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the fluid tube distal end being connected to the open proximal end of the distal member.