Objective  To explore the value of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for predicting the risk during peri-operation for infants with simple congenital heart disease. Methods  A prospective study of 25 infants with congenital heart disease who underwent open-heart surgery of left-to-right shunt was conducted. Venous blood samples were collected before operation and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after operation. Serum NT-proBNP levels were detected by electrochemical luminescence and clinical indexes were recorded. Results  Preoperative serum NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher than normal levels and positively correlated with Ross scores and negatively correlated with ejection fraction (EF). Serum NT-proBNP levels 6 and 12 h after operation were significantly higher than those before operation （P<0.05） and serum NT-proBNP levels 24 and 48 h after operation were higher than those before operation, but the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). NT-proBNP levels at different time points were not significantly correlated with the duration of mechanical ventilation, vasoactive-inotropic score, ICU stay time, and hospitalization time. Conclusion  As a novel biomarker, NT-proBNP can be used as an important complementary factor for evaluating preoperative cardiac function. But the value of using NT-proBNP as a factor for predicting the postoperative risk for infants with congenital heart disease who have undergone open-heart surgery of left-to-right needs further study.