After my ex-husband had an aortic valve replacement, due to a birth defect, he was able to be more physically active than ever in his life. You understand that this doesn t necessarily mean that your son will have the same outcome, only that it MAY be a possibility. Your greatest concern should be whether he will need to take the drug Warfarin (Coumidin), or some other powerful blood thinner. People taking these drugs definitely must avoid contact sports and many other activities, as well as have frequent blood tests.