. 2C is a partial side view of the prior art stent of FIG. 2A in an expanded state; FIG. 3A is a side view of a stent as a closed-cell design having an open area center section and one or more extensions in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial side view of the stent of FIG. 3A in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the stent of F