Doctors at University Hospital removed Gabrielle Gifford’s breathing tube on Saturday. Giffords had the operation to replace the breathing tube with a tracheotomy tube in her windpipe. This allows her to breathe more freely and eliminates the need for a ventilator.
Though Giffords had been breathing on her own since she was shot in the head by Jason Lee Lougner January 8, doctors had left the breathing tube in as a necessary precaution and installed a feeding tube as well. Both procedures are typical for patients with brain injuries.
Giffords’ doctors say they should be able to evaluate her ability to speak now that the breathing tube is removed.
Story credit to Washington Post