A method and system for determining a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in tissue during formation of a lesion therein is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire at least one value of at least one component of a complex impedance between an electrode and the tissue. The ECU is configured to calculate an index responsive to the at least one value of the at least one complex impedance component. The index is indicative of a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in the tissue. The method comprises acquiring at least one value of at least one component of a complex impedance between an electrode and the tissue. The method comprises calculating an index responsive to the at least one value of the at least one complex impedance component. The calculated index is indicative of a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in the tissue.
