A removable vena cava filter (10) configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts (12a-d), each having an anchoring hook (26) and a stop member (24) proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.
