The local effects of silver-coated polyurethane catheters and Dacron material were compared to uncoated polyurethane catheters and Dacron material in a long-term implantation test using rabbits. The tissue-implant interaction was analysed by investigating the type and number of inflammatory cells, capillaries, fat tissue, the extent of fibrosis, thickness of the fibrous capsule, number and distribution of silver particles, and the size of giant cells. Silver-coated and uncoated materials displayed comparable signs of inflammation and tissue reaction.