New Delhi, Feb 14: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is undergoing treatment for a chest infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), is reported to be on a minimal ventilator support and is breathing on his own.

Vajpayee underwent tracheotomy surgery for smoother airway management on February 13.

However, he is still in the ICU.

''Tracheotomy'' is a surgical procedure in which a cut or opening is made in the windpipe (trachea). The surgeon inserts a tube into the opening to bypass an obstruction, allow air to get to the lungs, or remove secretions.

The 84-year-old BJP leader was admitted to the AIIMS on February 3 with complaints of fever and chest congestion. It was later diagnosed that he was suffering from respiratory tract infection.

When Vajpayee''s condition deteriorated on the evening of February 6, he had to be put on mechanical ventilator support.

Several prominent leaders including Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani have conveyed their best wishes for his speedy recovery.