If you have had Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE), the standard medical therapy is a blood thinner (for example: coumadin, enoxaparin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or dabigatran). Blood thinners are very effective in the majority of patients because they stabilize the existing clot and prevent more clots from forming. However, for some patients, blood thinners are not enough. People with severe DVT or PEs may require more aggressive therapy. Many people with long-standing chronic venous disease can find relief from a combination of conservative measures and catheter-based procedures.