Bobbi Kristina Brown's breathing tube has been removed, the Associated Press, People and USA Today report, citing sources close to her family. CNN, also citing sources close to the family, reported that she "will now be ventilated through a hole in her throat."
"This is an indication that the patient will need this for weeks and months to come, as opposed to hours and days," CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said in the report, adding that "the move lowers the risk of infection and is standard procedure."
[UPDATE: Family tensions heat up]
[REPORT: Bobbi Kristina’s relatives try to cash in on tragedy]
The 21-year-old has been hospitalized since a Jan. 31 medical emergency.
Several of her family members attended a public prayer vigil in her honor while other relatives have issued statements seeking privacy. Her father Bobby Brown has blasted "false reports" regarding her condition recent days, in statements issued through his lawyer.
Bobbi Kristina's companion Nick Gordon said in a statement issued through his lawyer that he's staying away from the hospital to avoid risking a confrontation with family members. One of Bobbi Kristina's relatives took out a restraining order on him last year.
USA Today's source says the decision to remove the breathing tube doesn't necessarily indicate a change in any decision regarding life support, and her condition remains unchanged.
PAST COVERAGE:
Statement from Bobby Brown seeks to avoid “side show”
Nick Gordon calls Bobbi Kristina his “companion” (not wife)
Bobbi Kristina was in a traffic accident days before medical emergency
Bobby Brown disputes reports of Bobbi Kristina’s grim prognosis
Bobby Brown: “She’s good; we’re praying”
Bobbi Kristina’s aunt hopeful she will “get back to great health”
Cops won’t comment on reports of drugs found at home
Bobbi Kristina’s aunt: “My Krissi Is Alright”
VIDEO: Leolah Brown thanks supporters
Bobby Brown’s family at public vigil
Cops say case is a criminal investigation
Bobby Brown blasts reports, calls case a criminal matter
VIDEO: Bobbi Kristina sings “Someone like you”
Are Bobbi Kristina and Nick really married?
Bobbi Kristina’s friend says past drug arrest not connected to medical emergency
Bobbi Kristina moves hospitals
Roswell police won’t comment on reports that drugs were found at the home
Bobbi Kristina shows key signs of improvement but is still fighting for her life
Bobbi Kristina’s medical emergency listed as a drowning
Bobbi Kristina’s relative took out a restraining order on Nick Gordon
Celebrities offer prayers, messages of support for Bobbi Kristina
Bobbi Kristina found unresponsive in a bathtub, rushed to the hospital
