An introducer system for use with a navigation probe having a navigation element and a navigation probe shaft having a diameter and terminating at a distal probe tip , the introducer system comprising: a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis and forming an introducer passage extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end , the sidewall being larger, in a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, than the navigation probe shaft diameter; a probe receptacle located at the distal introducer end , the probe receptacle extending along the longitudinal axis within the introducer passage from a proximal receptacle end to a distal receptacle end , the probe receptacle having an inner surface having a first lateral size in the lateral direction at the proximal receptacle end and a second lateral size in the lateral direction at the distal receptacle end , the first lateral size being greater than the second lateral size; wherein the inner surface is configured and dimensioned to receive the distal probe tip and restrict movement of the distal probe tip in the lateral direction, and the sidewall is configured and dimensioned to allow the navigation probe shaft to move in the lateral direction within the passage when the distal probe tip is positioned in the probe receptacle ; characterized in that: at least a portion of the probe receptacle is spaced from the sidewall in the lateral direction by a gap ; and the probe receptacle comprises at least one opening at a location between the receptacle proximal end and the receptacle distal end forming a fluid communication path between the inner surface and the gap . a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis and forming an introducer passage extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end , the sidewall being larger, in a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, than the navigation probe shaft diameter; a probe receptacle located at the distal introducer end , the probe receptacle extending along the longitudinal axis within the introducer passage from a proximal receptacle end to a distal receptacle end , the probe receptacle having an inner surface having a first lateral size in the lateral direction at the proximal receptacle end and a second lateral size in the lateral direction at the distal receptacle end , the first lateral size being greater than the second lateral size; wherein the inner surface is configured and dimensioned to receive the distal probe tip and restrict movement of the distal probe tip in the lateral direction, and the sidewall is configured and dimensioned to allow the navigation probe shaft to move in the lateral direction within the passage when the distal probe tip is positioned in the probe receptacle ; characterized in that: at least a portion of the probe receptacle is spaced from the sidewall in the lateral direction by a gap ; and the probe receptacle comprises at least one opening at a location between the receptacle proximal end and the receptacle distal end forming a fluid communication path between the inner surface and the gap . at least a portion of the probe receptacle is spaced from the sidewall in the lateral direction by a gap ; and the probe receptacle comprises at least one opening at a location between the receptacle proximal end and the receptacle distal end forming a fluid communication path between the inner surface and the gap . <EOS>