Obama's Pot-Smoking Detailed
Juror Flirting With John Edwards
Giffords had an operation Saturday to replace the breathing tube with a tracheotomy tube in her windpipe. That allows her to breathe better and frees her from the ventilator.
HO / AFP / Getty Images
Doctors removed Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' breathing tube on Saturday because she no longer requires a ventilator.
Though Giffords had been breathing on her own since she was shot in the head Jan. 8, doctors had left the breathing tube in as a precaution. A feeding tube was also put in to provide nutrition. Those procedures are not out of the ordinary for brain-injured patients.
Giffords' doctors have said they should be able to evaluate her ability to speak once the breathing tube is out.
Giffords, who was wounded in last weekend's attack that killed six people, remains in critical condition at University Medical Center.
"Her recovery continues as planned," the hospital said in a statement.
Her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, has remained by her bedside.
One patient was discharged Saturday while two others remain in good condition.
Romney Argues Big Spending Cuts Would Cause 'Depression,' Contrary To Tea Party Activists
More Trouble For Rick Scott
A New Murdoch Scandal Emerges
Joe Biden Recalls Thoughts Of Suicide
Scott Walker Recall Race May Be Tightening
WATCH: Fox News Besieged By Technical Difficulties
The Story Behind Clinton's Porn Star Picture
JPMorgan Risk Committee Missing People With Experience Monitoring Risk
Police: Hostages Released By Gunman In Indiana Standoff
Classic Politico: 'Surely, All Of This Could Prove To Be Ephemeral And Meaningless'
GOP Congressional Candidate Accuses Opponent Of Spying On Campaign
Geologists Confirm Possible Jesus Crucifixion Date
Kentucky Derby Winner's Trainer SUSPENDED
Tom Coburn Gets Big Penalty From Fellow Senators
WATCH: Meghan McCain Lashes Out At Republicans
Apple Yanks Popular App From iTunes
Arianna Huffington: The Inspirationals: Jeff Skoll, Doubling Down on the Things That Work
2012 Race Will Break Record By A Long Shot
Judge Hits 'Moral Condemnation' Of Anti-Gay Marriage Law
Man Who Confessed To Etan Patz Murder Expected In Court
Berlusconi 'Bunga Bunga' Girl Says She Dressed As Obama
What Bin Laden's Wives Revealed
