Methods, systems, and apparatuses for performing a renal denervation procedure using an ablation catheter are described. An ablation catheter system may include an ablation catheter including at least one electrode, a generator, and a pulse rate detector and feedback mechanism in electrical connection with the generator. In one embodiment, a method for controlling the temperature of a lesion created inside of a patient includes determining the pulse rate of the patient prior to, and optionally during, a renal denervation procedure and adjusting the amount of energy distributed to an ablation catheter electrode based at least in part on the pulse rate of the patient so as to control the temperature of the lesion being created. By controlling the temperature of the lesion during the ablation process, more consistent patient outcomes may be provided.
