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Bobbi Kristina Brown Undergoes Tracheotomy to Prevent Infection From Breathing Tube

Bobbi Kristina Brown
As she remains in a coma, Bobbi Kristina Brown has undergone a "normal" tracheotomy in order to prevent infections from developing in her breathing tube

It’s been 20 days since Bobbi Kristina Brown was hospitalized after being found facedown and unresponsive in a tub at her Georgia home on Jan. 31. Because of that, doctors performed a tracheotomy this week to help stave off infection from her breathing tube, Us Weekly can confirm.

A source tells Us it’s a “normal procedure after a certain amount of time on a breathing tube.” It’s meant to prevent infections, which, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, can develop when bacteria is allowed to enter the lungs through the ventilator.

Related: PHOTOS: Bobbi Kristina and her parents

Brown — the 21-year-old daughter of the late Whitney Houston and New Edition singer Bobby Brown — is currently under the care of doctors at Atlanta’s Emory University Hospital. Her father flew to her side immediately after she was found, and has been a constant presence ever since.

Related: PHOTOS: Whitney's impressive career

Members of his family have visited, too, but Bobby’s lawyer has warned against trusting their frequent updates on her condition, which remains critical. “Various members of the family have provided media interviews; however, none of them are approved visitors to see Bobbi Kristina,” attorney Christopher Brown told Us in a statement on Feb. 13.

Related: PHOTOS: Whitney and other stars gone too soon

“None of them have firsthand knowledge of Bobbi Kristina’s treatment,” he added, “and the medical staff at Emory University Hospital has not communicated with them.”

The statement also included a few words from Bobby himself, who requested privacy and expressed gratitude for all the love. “We thank everyone that supports Bobbi Kristina and God is hearing our prayers.” 

Bobbi Kristina Brown Cover

Related: PHOTOS: Ugly family feuds

Bobbi Kristina’s longtime love Nick Gordon, meanwhile, released his own statement on Feb. 18. “Nick has been trying, privately, to do everything he can to see Bobbi Kristina cooperatively,” his lawyers told Us. “He has respected the family’s wishes and for that reason alone has not returned to the hospital and risked a public confrontation. But he desperately wants to be with the one he loves and continues to hope that his request will be granted.”

For more on Bobbi Kristina, pick up the new issue of Us Weekly, on stands now.

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