Rep. Giffords Undergoes Tracheotomy, Still Listed as Critical

Photo Courtesy – Getty Images(TUCSON, Ariz.) — Doctors at University Medical Center in Tucson performed surgery Saturday on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and say that while she remains in critical condition following last week’s shooting, her recovery continues “as planned.” The removal of the breathing tube marks the first time Giffords was off the ventilator since the shooting. 

The surgical procedure she underwent is known as a tracheotomy and it replaced the breathing tube that was placed down her throat with a tube in her windpipe.  A feeding tube was also inserted, to “provide nutritional support.”  In a written statement, the hospital said, “These procedures are not uncommon among brain-injured patients in the Intensive Care Unit.”

Giffords was shot in the head one week ago at a public event in her home district.  Twelve other people were wounded and six were killed.  University Medical Center said in its statement late Saturday that one of the wounded patients went home on Saturday and two were in good condition.

A briefing on Giffords’ treatment is scheduled for Monday.

A 22-year-old Tucson man is behind bars facing multiple federal charges in the violent attack.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio