A vessel filter comprising a first region and a second region wherein the
filter is movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel
and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. A first region
has a filter portion having a converging region at a first end portion to
direct particles toward the center of the filter and the second region is
flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing
toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second
region includes a vessel engaging portion at the second end portion. The
second region includes a plurality of spaced apart struts with adjacent
struts being joined.