An open environment for reconstructing 2D images into 3D finite element models

Eventual clinical utilization of various proposed techniques for determining the epicardial potentials based on measurements on the body surface requires the rapid development of accurate human torso models. These models are generally constructed using data obtained via computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Automatic and/or manual segmentation of the anatomical items in the individual slices is typically done as a preprocessing step before surface reconstruction. We have developed a group of interactive, menudriven routines to assist in processing these CT or MRI slices for input into a commercial finite element package for subsequent finite element modeling of the torso.