Aortobifemoral bypass--an enduring operation.

Aortobifemoral bypass (ABF) has been available as a method for treating patients with aortoiliac occlusive or aneurysmal disease for 40 years. ABF has been successful in alleviating the symptoms of claudication and critical ischemia. The long-term patency rates have been excellent with low operative morbidity and mortality. Major improvements have been made in indications, preoperative assessment and operative and postoperative care. With careful follow-up the natural history of a patient who undergoes ABF is known. Predicting outcome is now possible and a cost:benefit analysis can be made. ABF has proved to be a successful and enduring procedure.