A technique allowing the deposition of an adherent thin film of turbostratic, high-density carbon on heat-sensitive polymers was recently developed. The biological response to this biomaterial on yarns and fabrics of the type used in cardiovascular surgery has been studied. Polyester yarns, knitted Dacron sheets and knitted uncrimped Dacron vascular grafts were coated with a thin film (less than 1 micron) of turbostratic carbon using a physical vapour deposition process. Coated and control discs of knitted material, as well as coated and uncoated yarns, were implanted in pairs in the subcutaneous tissue of mice, using for each type of implant two cohorts of 12 animals, with observation periods of 4 and 8 wks respectively. Vascular grafts (8 cm long, 8 mm i.d.) coated with carbon on the luminal side only, were implanted for 12 wks in the infrarenal aortic position in six dogs, and compared to uncoated Dacron grafts of the same dimensions inserted in the same location and for the same duration in the infrarenal aortic position in six control animals. With subcutaneous implants, there was no significant difference in the tissue reaction to either coated or uncoated patches. In contrast, the vascular grafts, all of which were patent upon retrieval, showed a much lower extent of thrombosis on the blood-exposure surface in the case of carbon-coated Dacron, as compared to the luminal surface of control prostheses. The internal capsule (tissue formed between the polymer fabric and the blood interface) was thinner in carbon-coated grafts than in control grafts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)