When a bureaucracy reaches a level of red tape such that it runs in a full circle.

Usually involving a lot of "not my department" and ending, after much effort, back where one began in the process.

This occurs at such a level that not only does it benefit no-one, but it actually costs everyone in the chain.

The term derives from the subjective feeling of unnecessary, nonsensical paperwork actually crushing your chest like a weight, effecting breathing.