This study was designed to evaluate the haematological, pathological and biochemical characteristics of the flow surface in polyester arterial prostheses. Their implantations as thoraco-abdominal by-passes in dogs were scheduled to remain in place for periods ranging from four hours to six months. The haematologic parameters of the hosts were evaluated before implanting the prostheses and before harvesting the graft. To quantify the thrombogenicity of the flow surface, the platelet deposition and fibrinogen uptake were measured by means of an isotopic technique involving Indium-III labelled platelets and iodine-125 labelled fibrinogen. Synthesis of prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (TXA2) by the internal capsulae was determined by radioimmunoassay. The pathology was assessed according to previously described protocols. The haematologic parameters of the hosts did not alter substantially in the presence of the prostheses. The observed changes, though slight, were not pathologically significant 48 hours after implantation. Platelet and fibrin deposition was highest on the luminal surface of the prostheses 24 hours post-implantation. These decreased and became negligible after one month when the flow surface became smooth and glistening. The PGI2/TXA2 ratio of the luminal surface was much lower than that observed in native aortic tissue. These results show that the large calibre Dacron vascular prosthesis has a flow surface with a low degree of blood compatibility. The concentration of PGI2 on the newly-formed luminal surface remained low. This characteristic and the incomplete endothelialization of the luminal surface might be among the main factors that determine the high failure rate of synthetic prostheses when used as small diameter blood conduits.