Vajpayee still in ICU, but stable

New Delhi, Feb 17 (ANI): Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who is being treated for a chest infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), is stable, doctors said on Tuesday.

According to AIIMS medical superintendent D K Sharma, "Vajpayee is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). His condition is stable and improving."

Vajpayee, after undergoing a tracheotomy surgery for smoother airway management was kept on a minimal ventilator support on February 13.

"Tracheotomy" is a surgical procedure in which a cut or opening is made in the windpipe allowing air to get to the lungs.

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. (ANI)