Infrared coagulation (IRC) is a non-invasive treatment which is used in many situations as an alternative to lasers, surgery, electrocautery and cryotherapy.
IRC is used in an outpatient environment with the added benefit of not producing a smoke plume or odor and removing the need to "earth" a patient.
High intensity light from a tungsten-halogen source is reflected from a 24-karat gold surface through a solid quartz column to a special contact tip of sapphire or teflon. On contact with the base of the hemorrhoidal tissue, thermal necrosis occurs at 100 degrees centigrade without carbonization or odor with the depth of necrosis controlled by timed exposure.
Infrared coagulation is a readily mastered therapy that is well tolerated by patients.