Systems and methods for performing cardiac ablation are disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing an ablation electrode having one or more temperature control mechanisms in contact with a patients heart. The ablation electrode includes a cardiac sensor disposed therein for measuring cardiac signals. The method also includes the steps of generating electrosurgical energy and supplying the electrosurgical energy to the patient through the ablation electrode. The method further includes the steps of regulating the temperature over the ablation electrode, thereby spreading the temperature over the surface of the electrode and increasing the volume of the ablation lesion, measuring and comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment cardiac signals to determine progress of tissue ablation, and terminating ablation based on the comparison of the pre-treatment and post-treatment cardiac signals.
