The present invention provides a removable vena cava filter for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts having first ends attached together along a longitudinal axis. Each primary strut includes an arcuate segment having a first tensile strength. The arcuate segment extends from the first end to an anchoring hook. The anchoring hook is integral with the arcuate segment and having the first thickness and first tensile strength. The filter further comprises a plurality of secondary struts freely spaced between the primary struts and having connected ends attached together along the longitudinal axis. Each secondary strut freely extends from the connected end to a free end avoiding contact with other secondary struts and primary struts. Each secondary strut has a second tensile strength.