Patent ID: 8728077

Claim:
A method for use in operating an electrode catheter, the method comprising the steps of: establishing an electrode coupling assessment system for evaluating an ablation energy level passing between an ablation electrode and patient tissue, said assessment system being operative to, based on impedance-related values and predetermined tissue specific benchmark values, distinguish between at least two different ablation energy ranges, wherein said ablation energy ranges include an insufficient ablation energy range for lesion formation and an elevated ablation energy range for lesion formation, where said elevated ablation energy range indicates potential for tissue damage; operating said electrode coupling assessment system in connection with application of ablation energy to said ablation electrode to identify a current ablation energy level of passing between said ablation electrode and patient tissue; and providing a first mechanical output, via a handle set of said electrode catheter used by a physician in guiding said electrode in relation to physiological structure of said patient, upon identifying said current ablation energy level as being in said elevated ablation energy range.