#$%^&*AU2011202867A120120209.pdf#####Tissue Fusion System and Method for Performing a Self Test Abstract of the Disclosure An energy source (26) of a thermal tissue operating system (10) performs self5 tests using simulation heating elements (150, 152) and jaw heating elements (30, 32) in tissue-grasping jaws (14, 16) of a handpiece (12). Power is supplied to the simulation heating elements (150, 152) and verified, without necessitating connection of a handpiece (12). Power is also delivered and verified to each of the two jaw heating elements (30, 32) when the handpiece (12) is connected. Voltage and current are 10 measured by peak hold detectors (174-180, 194, 196), and the peak hold detectors are tested to verify correct operation. All tests may be combined in a power on self-test (POST).127 8 3 266 FIG13