| CPC A61B 18/1492 (2013.01) [A61L 24/001 (2013.01); A61L 24/046 (2013.01); A61M 5/007 (2013.01); A61M 25/0082 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00292 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00362 (2013.01); A61B 17/00491 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00005 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00434 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00577 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0212 (2013.01); A61L 2400/06 (2013.01); A61M 2205/054 (2013.01); A61M 2205/3606 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |

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1. A method for ameliorating pain in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising:
inserting an introducer cannula into the subject and positioning a distal end of the introducer cannula proximate a treatment site comprising a nerve that transmits a pain impulse;
injecting a liquid composition comprising a heat-activated biocompatible polymer through the introducer cannula and into the treatment site,
advancing an ablation probe through the introducer to a region proximate to the treatment site;
ablating the nerve with the ablation probe, thereby forming a lesion on the nerve; retracting the ablation probe;
wherein the liquid composition exhibits a viscosity of less than 1000 cP at 4° C.;
wherein upon heating to a temperature of from 40° C. to 70° C., the heat-activated biocompatible polymer forms a polymeric matrix that exhibits a viscosity of at least 25,000 cP at 37° C.; and
wherein the heat generated by the ablation probe induces the heat-activated biocompatible polymer to form the polymeric matrix at the treatment site.
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