Introduction

Zap! Surgery Beyond the Cutting Edge is a 6,000-square-foot traveling exhibit offering a unique look at how light, sound, and other forms of energy are being applied in today’s faster, less-invasive surgical procedures. Carnegie Science Center (CSC) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has developed this exhibit in collaboration with advisors from UPMC Health Systems, other Pittsburgh region and national medical advisors, and Pittsburgh area educators. The exhibit is organized into five color-coded modules, each representing a specific surgical technique, including:
  • Lasers (red)
  • Endoscopes (orange)
  • Ultrasound (yellow)
  • Cryosurgery (blue)
  • Gamma Knife (green)
Each of the modules has three sub-areas: Explore It!, Be the Surgeon, and Real Stories / Real Surgery. In addition to the five modules, two supplementary areas are included as follows:
  • ZapCam – a 12 to 15 passenger simulator ride and pre-show
  • Zap Jr. – an exploration / role-playing area for families with children ages 5 to 8
This manual is intended to accompany the Education Materials Manual. It has been developed specifically for use by technical staff who will be responsible for understanding, running, and maintaining the exhibit components on a day-to-day basis. The information herein is supported/supplemented by an extensive reference binder containing manufacturer’s manuals for most of the complex electronic components. This binder, along with a complete set of tools, is provided to each facility renting the exhibit. Attachment 1 summarizes technical specifications and requirements (primarily electrical power needs and square footage requirements by component). Attachment 2 is a summary / checklist for use by technical staff in the daily start-up and shut down of the exhibit. This document will evolve as feedback is received from the technical staff at facilities renting Zap! Surgery. It already incorporates the knowledge gained from over a year of on-the-floor maintenance and operating experience. CSC welcomes your continued feedback and suggestions. Technical questions/feedback should primarily be directed to:

David Hupe
Zap Surgery Traveling Exhibit Technical Coordinator
Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5850
412/237-3302
412/237-1686 (fax)
huped@carnegiesciencecenter.org 

Other available support contacts (in order of priority) include:

Thomas E. Flaherty
Director, Exhibits & Facilities
412/237-3344
flahertyt@carnegiesciencecenter.org