The present invention relates to open irrigated catheter ablation systems and methods used in connection with open irrigated catheter systems. The systems and related methods can control irrigation fluid flow to obtain temperature responses indicative of temperatures associated with an ablation procedure. Embodiments of the present invention provide irrigated catheter ablation systems having controlled irrigation fluid flow that can be directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to help minimize blood coagulation and associated problems. The irrigated fluid flow may be regulated in connection with an established or predetermined temperature threshold to improve or better optimize cooling and ablation properties of the system. In embodiments, irrigation flow may be either delayed or intermitted.
