A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal
axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and
which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an
expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood
vessel at two longitudinal spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced,
elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve
outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading end of the
filter to form a first filter basket and to center a hub at the trailing
end of the filter within the vessel. A second plurality of spaced
elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the
leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof to form
a second filter basket opening toward the leading end. To prevent
longitudinal movement of the filter, the ends of these legs include
hooks, at least a portion of which is of a reduced cross sectional area
relative to the cross sectional area of the adjacent leg to permit the
hooks to bend and straighten in response to withdrawal force.