Systems and methods for electrode contact assessment

Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing electrode-tissue contact for tissue ablation. An exemplary electrode contact sensing system comprises an electrode 10 housed within a distal portion of a catheter shaft 14. At least one electro-mechanical sensor 20 is operatively associated with the electrode 10 within the catheter shaft 14. The at least one electro-mechanical sensor 20 is responsive to movement of the electrode 10 by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one electro-mechanical sensor 20. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing a level of contact between the electrode 10 and a tissue 12.