Which of the following is a positive effect of irrigating the ablation electrode during energy delivery?

• A. Max power delivery
• B. Prevention of impedance rise
• C. Reduction of incidence of char and coagulum formation
• D. Increased energy consumption

Answer: (C)

Cooling the electrode-tissue interface with irrigation helps prevent overheating at the surface during energy delivery. When tissue gets too hot, char can form on the tissue and coagulum can develop on the electrode, both of which raise impedance and can lead to less effective energy delivery or thromboembolic risk. Saline irrigation removes heat and carries away debris, reducing these surface reactions. The result is fewer instances of char and coagulum forming, which is a clear positive effect of irrigating the ablation electrode. While cooling can also help maintain stable impedance and permit safer, higher power delivery, the most direct and specific positive outcome highlighted here is the reduction in char and coagulum formation.