Devices and methods are provided for delivery of a positive inotropic agent to the heart of a patient in need thereof. An epicardial patch includes (i) a backing layer which is impermeable to the positive inotropic agent and (ii) a drug release layer attached to the backing layer and including the positive inotropic agent and a polymeric membrane material. The polymeric membrane material provides controlled release of the positive inotropic agent to the epicardium to a region of the myocardium and in an amount effective to increase contractility. At least one of the backing layer or the drug release layer includes a tissue coupling portion for affixing the epicardial patch to an area of the epicardial surface. The epicardial patch is dimensioned and compliant to substantially avoid impeding myocardial functionality when affixed to the area of the epicardial surface.
