In this paper, polyurethane (PU) was deposited as a thin layer onto the surface of ITO (indium tin oxide) and was then modified with an antithrombin-heparin complex (ATH). The resulting films were characterized by ATR spectroscopy, contact angle measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Physicochemical characterization confirmed the surface modifications. The obtained films were used as substrates for endothelial cell attachment and growth. These processes were characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We observed that the addition of a small amount of heparin and AT additives onto the polymer surface resulted in a considerable change in the surface characteristics, and we found that PU films that were modified by the ATH complex were able to greatly enhance adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.