An artificial organ is a man-made device that is implanted or integrated into a human to replace a natural organ, for the purpose of restoring a specific function or a group of related functions so the patient may return to as normal a life as possible. The replaced function doesn't necessarily have to be related to life support, but often is.

Implied by this definition is the fact that the device must not be continuously tethered to a stationary power supply, or other stationary resources, such as filters or chemical processing units. (Periodic rapid recharging of batteries, refilling of chemicals, and/or cleaning/replacing of filters, would exclude a device from being called an artificial organ.) Thus a dialysis machine, while a very successful and critically important life support device that completely replaces the duties of a kidney, is not an artificial organ.

As a general rule, most organs present inside a recom's torso can be replaced with artificial organs. As a general rule, this is done as a temporary basis while the recipient is awaiting autologous cloned organ replacement. Rather than list which organs are available, the following is a list of organs that cannot be replaced:

• Brain - Although this organ is not located within the torso, it is included in this list. Not only is a compact artificial substitute for a brain unavaiable, there is currently no technology available that would allow for transfer of memories. Brain death remains a permanent thing.
• Gonads - Ovaries and testicles that produce functional gametes for reproductive purposes have not been successfully produced.
• Sexual organs - While it is possible to create artificial structures resembling the real thing, they generally do not function in a similar manner.
• Digestive tract - as a general rule, the stomach and small and large intestines have no artificial substitutes. Generally a patient awaiting replacement for these tissues remains in intensive care in a hospital until autologous replacements can be grown.

As always, consult with Roleplay Staff if you have questions or specific requests regarding artificial organs.