Compositions, systems, kits, and methods for neural ablation

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;

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;

and injecting an inverse thermosensitive polymer through the introducer cannula and into the treatment site,

wherein the inverse thermosensitive polymer forms a matrix at the treatment site;

wherein the inverse thermosensitive polymer undergoes a transition from a liquid to a gel or solid upon an increase in temperature from 4° C. to 37° C.;

wherein the inverse thermosensitive polymer exhibits a transition temperature of from 10° C. to 37° C.; and

wherein the inverse thermosensitive polymer comprises:

(i) from 20% to 40% by weight of a first inverse thermosensitive polymer defined by Formula I below

wherein a is an integer from 90 to 110 and b is an integer from 50 to 60, wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a molecular weight of from 9,500 Da to 15,000 Da, and wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a polyoxyethylene content of from 70% to 75%; and

(ii) from 5% to 50% by weight of a second inverse thermosensitive polymer defined by Formula I below

wherein a is an integer from 70 to 90 and b is an integer from 20 to 35, wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a molecular weight of from 7,500 Da to 10,000 Da, and wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a polyoxyethylene content of from 78% to 85%.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ablation probe comprises radiofrequency (RF) ablation probe, and the ablating step comprises applying energy using the RF probe to ablate the nerve.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the introducer cannula is actively or passively cooled during the ablation step, during the injection step, or any combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix is a solid or gel.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix substantially surrounds the lesion.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the matrix remains at the treatment site at least 72 hours after injection.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix further comprises a contrast agent, and wherein the method further comprises imaging the matrix to confirm placement of the matrix at the treatment site, to monitor clearance of the matrix from the treatment site, or any combination thereof.

8. A system for neural ablation comprising:

(i) a liquid composition, wherein upon injection at a treatment site for neural ablation, the liquid composition forms a matrix at the treatment site;

(ii) a syringe comprising

a barrel defining a volume for containing the liquid composition, a distal end of

the barrel including a delivery tip; and

a plunger sized and configured to move within the volume of the barrel to convey

the liquid composition through the delivery tip;

(iii) an ablation probe; and

(iv) an introducer cannula comprising a central channel sized and configured to receive the ablation probe and the delivery tip therethrough;

wherein the liquid composition comprises

(i) from 20% to 40% by weight of a first inverse thermosensitive polymer defined by Formula I below

wherein a is an integer from 90 to 110 and b is an integer from 50 to 60, wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a molecular weight of from 9,500 Da to 15,000 Da, and wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a polyoxyethylene content of from 70% to 75%; and

(ii) from 5% to 50% by weight of a second inverse thermosensitive polymer defined by Formula I below

wherein a is an integer from 70 to 90 and b is an integer from 20 to 35, wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a molecular weight of from 7,500 Da to 10,000 Da, and wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a polyoxyethylene content of from 78% to 85%.

9. A kit for performing a neural ablation procedure comprising the system of claim 8 enclosed within sterile packaging.

10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the ablation probe comprises a radiofrequency (RF) ablation probe.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the RF ablation probe is actively or passively cooled.

12. A system for neural ablation comprising:

(i) a liquid composition, wherein upon injection at a treatment site for neural ablation, the liquid composition forms a matrix at the treatment site;

(ii) a syringe comprising

a barrel defining a volume for containing the liquid composition, a distal end of the barrel including a delivery tip; and

a plunger sized and configured to move within the volume of the barrel to convey the liquid composition through the delivery tip;

(iii) an ablation probe; and

(iv) an introducer cannula comprising a central channel sized and configured to receive the ablation probe and the delivery tip therethrough;

wherein the liquid composition exhibits a viscosity of less than 1000 cP at 4° C.; and

wherein upon injection into a subject, the liquid composition increases in viscosity to form a polymeric matrix that exhibits a viscosity of at least 25,000 cP at 37° C.

13. A kit for performing a neural ablation procedure comprising the system of claim 12 enclosed within sterile packaging.

14. The system of claim 12 , wherein the ablation probe comprises a radiofrequency (RF) ablation probe.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the RF ablation probe is actively or passively cooled.

16. A device for guiding neural regeneration following ablation comprising:

a syringe comprising:

a barrel defining a volume containing from 1 mL to 10 mL of a liquid composition, a distal end of the barrel including a delivery tip; and

a plunger sized and configured to move within the volume of the barrel to convey the liquid composition through the delivery tip;

wherein the liquid composition comprises:

(i) from 20% to 40% by weight of a first inverse thermosensitive polymer defined by Formula I below

wherein a is an integer from 90 to 110 and b is an integer from 50 to 60, wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a molecular weight of from 9,500 Da to 15,000 Da, and wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a polyoxyethylene content of from 70% to 75%; and

(ii) from 5% to 50% by weight of a second inverse thermosensitive polymer defined by Formula I below

wherein a is an integer from 70 to 90 and b is an integer from 20 to 35, wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a molecular weight of from 7,500 Da to 10,000 Da, and wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer has a polyoxyethylene content of from 78% to 85%;

wherein the liquid composition exhibits a viscosity of less than 1000 cP at 4° C.;

wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer and the second inverse thermosensitive polymer, in combination, exhibit a transition temperature of from 10° C. to 37° C.; and

wherein the first inverse thermosensitive polymer and the second inverse thermosensitive polymer, in combination, exhibit a viscosity of at least 25,000 at 37° C., such as a viscosity of from 25,000 to 100,000 cP at 37° C.