@bforester1
I have a similar history to you, although I do not have a Watchman, as I am taking Xarelto without problems (so far, anyway!). Tomorrow you will have your AV Node Ablation. I had one last year. As gloaming indicated, you will have to have a Pacemaker. You stated that you understand that communication between the atrium and ventricles is severed (I generally use the term that they "burned the bridge"). Consequently, the pacemaker is needed to keep the heart beating at a 'normal' rate. I resisted for a long time (I told my EP that he wanted me to turn off all the electricity in the house and rely on the generator!). I watched several videos about AV Node Ablation. Here is one that you might find helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch

Now - a year after the AV Node Ablation, I am grateful that I had it. Unfortunately, my atria are back in AFIB (and my cardiologist says that they will be for the rest of my life). However, it is not an issue for me. My heart beats fine; do be aware that you probably will have to have your pacemaker "tweaked" a few times, so that it works for YOU the way it should. I wish you all the best! Please report back after your procedure.