A method for denervation comprises: introducing a distal portion of a catheter to an interior of a vessel of patient, the catheter including an elongated catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the catheter body including the distal portion at the distal end and a catheter lumen from the proximal end to the distal end delivering optical energy via the catheter lumen to the distal portion of the catheter body emitting an optical beam outwardly from the distal portion, through an optical emission port disposed in the distal portion of the catheter body and forming at least one trench using the emitted optical beam with sufficient intensity to a depth into a vessel wall of the vessel sufficient to cause tissue removal and physically sever at least one nerve associated with the vessel wall at the depth within that depth range.
