Objective. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of dabigatran etexilate as an agent for anticoagulation therapy of deep venous thrombosis in the lower extremities under the conditions of routine clinical practice. Material and methods. This prospective observational study included the patients of either gender aged above 18 years presenting with confirmed acute thrombosis of the deep veins less than 7 days in duration. The starting course of heparin therapy was followed by the intake of dabigatran etexilate at a dose of 150 mg twice daily. The participants of the study were 24 (71%) men and 10 (29%) women at the age varying from 28 to 81 years (mean 58 years, median 57 years). The patients were followed up during 3 months. The main criteria for the evaluation of the outcome of the treatment were the frequency of recurrent thromboembolism (deep venous thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis, pulmonary thromboembolism) and hemorrhage. In addition, the tolerance to dabigatran etexilate and the patients’ compliance with the prescribed treatment were estimated. Results. None of the patient exhibited the signs of  recurrent venous thromboembolism (95% confidence interval 0—14.6%). Hemorrhagic episodes during the 3 month observation period were recorded in 4 (12.5%) patients (95% confidence interval 4—30%). The cases of severe hemorrhage were totally absent. Only one (3%) patient developed an adverse reaction (tachycardia). Compliance with the prescribed therapy was estimated at 94%. Conclusion. The application of dabigatran etexilate in the routine clinical practice has excellent prospects due to its high effectiveness and safety for the patients presenting with deep venous thrombosis.