Abstract: The present invention provides a blood filter comprising a plurality of central struts, the distal ends thereof intersecting at a vertex, a hollow tubular member having distal and proximal ends in fluid communication, and having at least one vertical strut extending therefrom, and means for retaining the plurality of central struts within the hollow tubular member. At least the outer layer of the hollow tubular member is made of a flexible material which resists the ingrowth of tissue around the central struts of the filter. The blood filter of the present invention can reduce the occurrence of circulatory occlusions, including pulmonary embolism, in patients and because of the hollow tubular member being made from a material which resists the ingrowth of tissue, it can easily be removed from the venous system of the patient when there is no longer an indication for its use.