  In this paper, we address the problem of automatic mesh generation for finite
elements modeling of anatomical organs for which a volumetric data set is
available. In the first step a set of characteristic outlines of the organ is
defined manually or automatically within the volume. The outlines define the
"key frames" that will guide the procedure of surface reconstruction. Then,
based on this information, and along with organ surface curvature information
extracted from the volume data, a 3D scalar field is generated. This field
allows a 3D reconstruction of the organ: as an iso-surface model, using a
marching cubes algorithm; or as a 3D mesh, using a grid "immersion" technique,
the field value being used as the outside/inside test. The final reconstruction
respects the various topological changes that occur within the organ, such as
holes and branching elements.
