Focused infrared light at wavelengths selected to target tissue below the skin may be used in a non-invasive procedure for vasectomies, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, or fungal nail infections. Infrared light from various sources selected for a particular application may be focused so that the cone of light has lower intensity on the skin/outer tissue and higher intensity at a desired depth to cause thermal coagulation or occlusion of the target tissue beneath the skin. Surface cooling techniques, such as cryogenic sprays or contact cooling may be used to protect the skin. More generally, the focused infrared light with or without surface cooling may be used in applications for thermally coagulating or occluding relatively shallow vessels while protecting or minimizing damage to outer layers of the tissue or skin.
