#$%^&*AU2008249176B220120524.pdf#####Q:OPERGCP 200225912absractdoc.24/11/2008 ABSTRACT An apparatus for characterizing atherosclerotic plaque, comprising: a. a housing 5 b. a probe comprising: i) at least one optic fiber, ii) means for creating rotation of said fiber, iii) at least one lens, iv) at least one prism, 10 v) at least one detector, vi) a light source; c. means for obtaining reflectance; and d. means for comparing the optical properties to a stored database of typical optical properties for a given tissue type and associated abnormalities. 15